Subject Area: Asian Studies
This course can also be studied in the following specialisations: Development Studies, International Relations, Politics

This course examines the major political and security challenges in contemporary Asia. The course will begin by examining the historical developments which have defined modern Asia, such as decolonisation after 1945, and the rise of nationalism and the Cold War. It then examines the role of the Great Powers, such as the USA and a rising China in the post-Cold War era. The course also examines interstate conflict, focusing on regional security issues centred around Korea, Taiwan and the Spratly Islands. It also examines bilateral tensions as reflected in the on-going arms build-up throughout the region. To illustrate the continuing challenges of legitimacy and state-building despite decolonization, the course will also examine the problem of political dissent and armed rebellions. The recent emergence of a significant non-traditional security challenge, global terrorism in the wake of 11 September 2001, will also be the subject of analysis.