Aims

… to the economic, political, religious and cultural complexity of Asian countries.
An analysis of the processes of regional cooperation and of the 20th century's key political events.

Main themes

Introduction
- Definition: Region, geographical unity, and heterogeneity. Asia as seen by Europeans. Asia as seen by Asians.
- Political systems: History, cultures and religions. India conquered by the British, and independence. China: the Middle Empire and its relations with 19th century imperialism. Japan: From isolation to victory. South-east Asia: Colonial victories and independence movements. The cold war: Wars by proxy. Korea and Vietnam. ASEAN and small countries affirm their presence.
- Strategic issues: The cold war: Ideological issues. The United States: Idealism and realism in international relations. Economic development and the ideological issue. The post-cold war: The crisis of international Communism and the process of democratisation. The financial crisis of 1997 and the desegregation of the state: Forms of nationalism and forms of fundamentalism. The nuclear question: North Korea, India and Pakistan.
- Regional international organisations: What does the future hold for the Pacific Basin?

Content and teaching methods

Content See Course specifications.
Methodology
Lecture course lasting 30 hours.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

An oral examination (focusing on the course and on the compulsory reading for which students may prepare).
See bibliography attached to the syllabus.

Other credits in programs