INTR2003 The Asia-Pacific in the 20th Century

This topic identifies a range of theoretical and historical issues associated with the geo-political and geo-economic development of the Asia-pacific region - understood in its geographically broadest sense, as the relationship between the conventionally conceived sub-regions of South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia and North America, but centred on the post-war relationship between Japan and the United States. The topic focuses mainly on the twentieth century, beginning with the 'rise of Japan' and ending with Japan's financial crisis of the early 1990s, which marked the beginning of the end of the Asia-Pacific as a region. It is concerned with the changing nature of the relationship between the economic and political aspects of regional order, and with speculations about the conditions of existence for such an order.

This topic aims to introduce students to the study of International Political Economy by critically surveying the creation and rise of the Asia Pacific as a region of dynamic economic and social development from about 1950 to the early 1990's. It places these developments in historical contexts that look back to Japanese and European colonial legacies, and examines rival explanations for the success of the region, including historical, 'developmentalist' and cultural explanations. The pivotal roles of Japan andAmerica are major foci of attention in this topic, since the conception of Asia Pacific as a region is substantially defined in terms of the relationship between these two countries. It is anticipated that this topic will prepare students for further study of International Political Economy topics, especially those dealing with the Asian region.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the geo-political and geo-economic development of the Asia-Pacific region
2. Demonstrate familiarity with the theoretical debates relevant to the development of this region
3. Critically assess the impact of Japan and the USA in particular on the way in which the Asia-Pacific has developed
4. Use a variety of statistical sources as well as access and demonstrate an understanding of scholarly writing on the subject
5. Participate in tutorials effectively, namely to produce clear and concise arguments and respond to the points raised by others
6. Produce written work in accordance with good scholarly practice