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Strategic and Defence Studies Centre · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
This course helps students to differentiate critically between the study of Asia as an object and the study of Asia as a subject. First, it addresses the key evolutions of ‘Asia’ as a region in imagination and in long historical practices. Second, it shows why apparently generic Strategic Studies/Security Studies/International Relations theories developed out of very different contexts often do not apply well to Asia. Third, it explores how different the perspectives of regional strategic thinkers, scholars and practitioners are, compared to those of others outside the region. Overall, this course will equip students to understand contemporary Asian strategy and security by introducing them to crucial knowledge about the region’s strategic history; to cutting-edge inter-disciplinary theories that help to explain key trends and puzzles about regional strategy and security; and to important writings and views of Asian leaders and scholars. The course covers Northeast, Southeast, and South Asia.
Reading précis (2,000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Seminar participation
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
Group work for 'Practice' session (group presentation in 1 seminar; no word count)
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
Analytical essay (3,000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
A minimum of 10 hours per week. Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Alagappa, Muthiah, ed. (1998) Asian Security Practice: Material and Ideational Influences (Stanford University Press). Alagappa, Muthiah, ed. (2003) Asian Security Order: Instrumental and Normative Features (Stanford University Press). Foot, Rosemary and Evelyn Goh (2019) ‘The International Relations of East Asia: A New Research Prospectus', International Studies Review 21:3, pp. 398-423. Pekkanen, Saadia, John Ravenhill, and Rosemary Foot, eds. (2014) Oxford Handbook of the International Relations of Asia (Oxford University Press).