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East Asian Regional Order

Module description

How can we conceptualise order in one of the most dynamic regions in the world? In this module you will critically examine the nature, evolution and challenges to regional order in East Asia. You will begin by considering the key theoretical and analytical perspectives on regional order as well as the role of history in shaping East Asian regionalism and regional dynamics. You will then proceed to examine contemporary security challenges and institutional architecture-building in East Asia, and their implications for the maintenance of regional peace and stability.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with the analytical tools to critically examine East Asia’s increasingly complex security environment and the pathways to regional order. You will develop a keen awareness of competing theoretical visions of regional order, the historical evolution of order in East Asia and the implications of contemporary security challenges to regional order.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Analyse key theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates on East Asian regional order;
• 2. Demonstrate a good understanding of the role of history in shaping East Asian regionalism and regional dynamics;
• 3. Critically assess contemporary security challenges in East Asia and their implications for regional order;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Critically evaluate competing IR theories;
• 5. Deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Conduct independent research and write cogent analytical essays;
• 7. Exercise critical independent thinking and formulate critical arguments;
• 8. Communicate effectively through submitted written work and seminar contributions; and
• 9. Engage in constructive peer evaluation.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Theoretical and conceptual perspectives on regional order
• Historical evolution of regional order in East Asia
• The Great Powers in East Asia
• American hegemony and alliances in East Asia
• The rise of China and its implications for regional order
• Contemporary security challenges and their implications for regional order
• Regional flashpoints and crises
• Regional institutions and architecture-building

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Saadia Pekkanen, John Ravenhill, and Rosemary Foot (eds), The Oxford Handbook of the International Relations of Asia (New York: Oxford University Press, 2014).

David Shambaugh and Michael Yahuda (eds), International Relations of Asia. Second Edition (Lanham, MA: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014).

Muthiah Alagappa (ed.), Asian Security Order: Instrumental and Normative Features (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2003).

Evelyn Goh, The Struggle for Order: Hegemony, Hierarchy, and Transition in Post-Cold War East Asia (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013).

Key words search

East Asia, Regional Order, Security, Stability.