This course examines political and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific and assesses the prospects for advancing 'regionalism' there. As regionalism entails the implementation of state-led policies for greater cooperation, institutionalisation and integration, the success of regionalist policies have significant implications for peace and stability. Therefore, the prospects for a convergence of interests and significant foreign policy coordination - as precursors to regionalism - will be examined through an analysis of the impact of regional histories, sources of conflict and distrust (e.g. China-Japan relations and the South China Sea), divergent strategic alignments and the continued/rising influence of major powers (e.g. the US and China), the rise of regional organisations and institutions covering political-security and economic issues, new security issues (e.g. transnational crime, disease and natural disasters), changing political values (e.g. democracy in Indonesia) and the continuation of pariah states. Further, where appropriate the individual seminars explore the implications of the issues discussed for Australia's security and/or engagement with Asia. By the conclusion of the course, students will be equipped with an understanding of the major domestic, regional and international political and security variables that contribute to, or detract from, regionalism, cooperation and peaceful relations. Further, the assessment tasks and course activities are designed to reinforce the above goals whilst also equipping students with a heightened capacity for independent and critical reflection.

Through the completion of this unit students will have developed:

1.   An advanced level of knowledge concerning the underlying causation and challenges to Asian regionalism (i.e. cooperation and integration);

2.   Their capacity to engage in and critically reflect on the dynamics behind the politics and security of the Asia-Pacific;

3.   A strong capacity to integrate theoretical and empirical considerations;

4.   Their research skills for the purpose of relevant professional careers and/or future postgraduate research at university;

5.   Professional written and verbal communication skills.

6000 words.

Class Presentation based on seminar topic (20%)

Research Essay (50%) due week 11

Exam (30%)

The workload will be one 2-hour seminar per week with the expectation of a further 8 hours per week of independent study.

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Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have some knowledge of contemporary international politics.

Internet access to Wattle and the ANU Library Catalogue