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Description
This module provides an advanced understanding of the politics of East Asia. Starting with a historical look at the world's most complex system of pre-modern democracy, it sketches out how the region has changed under the pressures of development, conflict and ideology. This is a region where the involvement of outside powers continues to shape relations into the 21st century, and where economic development has occurred under a range of ideological and political regimes, from the hereditary totalitarianism of North Korea to the vibrant democracy of Taiwan.
The module is split into thematic units (arrival of modernity, economic dynamism, potential flashpoints, memory and identity politics) through which we will explore the region's politics. By encouraging students to look inside the 'black box' of the state, the module allows for some multidisciplinary inquiry of how the region's politics intersects with social, cultural and economic questions. This enables students to have both a good grasp of contemporary issues, as well as master the conceptual frameworks essential for making sense of this populous region.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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