This course examines in detail a range of emerging issues in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond which have the potential to demand innovative diplomatic responses. These may include, but are not limited to:

• the changing boundaries and constraints of state sovereignty, and the significance of multilateral institutions and regimes as devices for structuring political action;
• the salience of international law in an era of unipolar dominance by a hyperpower;
• the scope for management of economic relations in an era of unprecedented capital mobility;
• the complexities of intervention decisions in circumstances where the corruption or breakdown of the state gives rise to serious human rights violations; and
• the difficulties of coping with transnational security challenges such as terrorism and the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Students will develop a strong and sound knowledge of the  international context in which diplomatic actors operate and also develop some of the analytical tools useful for examining the diplomatic challenges which are the focus of this course.

Written work of 6000 words, and an exam

Students undertaking this course could expect a workload of 20 hours a week. This is inclusive of actual contact hours for lectures and also out of class preparation time.

A compilation of prescribed readings will be distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.