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IR3111   Asian Security

Academic year(s): 2023-2024

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 4.00 pm Tue

Establishing a security framework for Asia that will limit the risks of major war is one of the great challenges in contemporary international politics. This module will examine the evolution of security relations in Asia with special attention being given to South and East Asia and to the period since the end of the Cold War. It will consider the security cultures and policies of China, India and Japan, their relations with one another and with the United States, and the security 'architecture' that might emerge in Asia. It will also examine unresolved disputes over Taiwan and Kashmir, problems on the Korean peninsula, and the role of multilateral regimes and other international institutions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr F P Lehr
Module teaching staff: Dr P Lehr

Intended learning outcomes

  • acquire a broad introductory understanding of Asian security history from various perspectives
  • gain some familiarity with the security cultures and security policies of the major powers in Asia – China, India, Japan and Russia – as well as other parts of East and Southeast Asia
  • explore the nature, rationale and consequences of Asian foreign policies and their institutions
  • consider the appropriateness of realist, pluralist, constructivist and other approaches to international security in this region
  • assess critically the various threats to regional and global security emerging in Asia, and the proposals for addressing them