Description
This course will examine the changing dynamics and innovative modes of diplomacy in Asia. The main focus will be on North-East Asia where China’s rise and accompanying efforts in various forms of diplomacy have made a deep impact on economic, political and military relations. By exploring a range of recent diplomatic issues in the Asian region it will analyse
(1) the network of diplomatic relations within Asia and between the region and other major players such as the US and Europe;
(2) evolving trends in Asian diplomacy.
The course is built up around thematic topics that illustrate a broadened notion of diplomacy in the region. Beginning with an introduction that will map out the political and security landscape in Asia, the course then moves on to explore the following themes:
•diplomatic styles and strategies;
•the multilateral arena;
•diplomatic negotiation and conflict resolution;
•public diplomacy;
•energy and environmental diplomacy;
•transnational and informal diplomacy.
Module Objectives
This course aims to deepen the understanding of the possibilities and limits of diplomacy by providing knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of diplomatic processes in the Asian region. By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of the methods, style and practice of diplomacy in Asia, including non-traditional diplomacy. The course will familiarise students with general bilateral and multilateral relations in Asia as well as with specific diplomatic issues. As students will be required to hold in-class presentations and debate issues, they will enhance their research, analytical and presentation skills.
Methods of instruction
The course is seminar-based and there will be a 2-hour class per week. The emphasis of this course lies on group discussion and individual participation. Generally the first half of the session will consist of a lecture followed by class discussion; after the break students will hold presentations followed by class discussion and conclusions. Students are required to complete the weekly assigned readings, think carefully about them and share their ideas in class. Students will read approximately 50-60 pages per week.
Studiemateriaal
Assigned reading will be posted on Blackboard at least 2 weeks in advance of the session with the exception of smaller chapters or articles which may be assigned one week in advance.
Toetsing
Everybody will make ASSIGNMENTS: each student will hold one in-class presentation on a topic handed out in advance. Students will send a short outline of their presentation to ihooghe@clingendael.nl two days in advance of the session.
Students will also write an essay of 2,000 words. A list of essay topics will be provided at the start of the course. Students may also choose another topic, as long as it develops one of the themes or sub-themes of the course and with the consent of the course lecturer. The essay should be based on a wide range of reading and have a proper bibliography and footnotes. Three weeks into the course, students will hand in a one-page outline of their paper; the final draft will be due at the end of the course. The exact dates will be announced at the start of the course.
Grades will be determined as follows:
•Participation in class discussions 25% of grade
•In-class presentation25%
•Paper 50%
Time table
Tuesday September 2, till October 21, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m. in room 201 at the Campus The Hague