This course will examine the key security issue-areas and policy influences that currently shape U.S. policy postures toward Asia - arguably the world’s most dynamic region - and measure relative U.S. strategic influence there. The main objectives of the course are to: (1) strengthen students’ understanding of fundamental U.S. foreign policy outlooks, particularly as they apply to American policies directed toward the Asia-Pacific region; (2) facilitate their ability to evaluate how and why key regional actors (predominantly state-centric and institutional entities) are responding to specific forms of U.S. policy behaviour when determining their own security interests and policies; and (3) develop their inclinations to explore alternative explanations for U.S. policy formulation and implementation in the region.  While U.S. regional hegemony may be increasingly contested, U.S. power remains an integral part of the increasingly complex geopolitics underwriting Asia-Pacific relations.  Understanding its continuing significance and how it functions in that environment is a critical requirement for building one’s knowledge of regional and international security politics.

The basic aim of this course is to give students a sound understanding of the following:

1. US security interests and objectives in the Asia-Pacific region;

2. The factors (both internal and external) which shape those interests;

3. The instruments (economic, political and military) that Washington uses in pursuing those interests; and

4. The medium-to-longer term prospects for a continued American interest and influence in the region.

1. Short paper (1500 words) equals 20% of total grade;

2. Long essay (2500 words) equals 40% of total grade; and

3. Written examination (2500 words) 40% of total grade.

The course will be offered over a semester (2 hours x 12 seminars). Students will be expected to attend all sessions regularly and to engage actively in class discussions focusing on the lecturing and reading material. In addition to the course text, students will be provided with recommended reading citations to enhance their in-depth knowledge of weekly lecture/ discussion topics.

Intending students must have a Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum Distinction average or equivalent.

William H. Overholt, Asia, America, and the Transformation of Geopolitics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007).

Students need access to a computer with a Microsoft Word and access to the internet.