Japanese Foreign Policy

Bachelor 2025/2026

Type: Elective course (HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia)

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 3 year, 3, 4 module

Open to: students of one campus

Language: English

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

As an elective major course in the East Asian Studies track, students are expected to develop a better understanding of the dynamics of international relations in East Asia and better understanding of Japanese Foreign Policy

Learning Objectives

Students will understand the nature of Japan's international relations since its modernization
Students will know employing theories on international relations and historical knowledge
Students will understand a variety of issues including but not limited to security, trade, regionalism, environment, immigration, public diplomacy, and human rights

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students are able to analyze the history of international relations at the main stages and decide the place of Japan in these processes
Students are able to apply modern theories of international relations to the cases they work with in their research
Students are able to formulate basic aspects of Japan's bilateral relations
Students will be able to analyze new challenges in Japanese foreign policy
Students will be able to analyze the aspects of multilateral relations of Japan, especially with the countries of Asian region

Course Contents

Introduction
History
Bilateral relations
Multilateral relations
New phenomena in foreign policy

Assessment Elements

Test
The test will be provided in the end of the 1st module in offline format during the session. The test is not blocking. It will be evaluated based on the students’ ability to accurately understand the approaches of the East Asian countries, taking into account a comprehensive grasp of the course material covered thus far. Answers should be clear, concise, and precise, effectively communicating your understanding of the regional features.
Participation
All students should actively participate in discussions. Students should be prepared for classes and be ready to provide information/feedback or answer the questions on the subject. Participation grades are based on the amount and quality of participation. This means that a student needs to add new facts, data and opinions to participate in the discussion. In order to get full marks for the participation students need to actively participate in the class discussions, to demonstrate familiarity with assigned readings and lecture material, including being prepared to answer the questions that the instructor may pose.
ATTENDANCE
The grade will be based on attendance during the lectures/seminars. Attendance in class is basic and mandatory.
Analytical paper

Interim Assessment

2025/2026 4th module
0.25 * ATTENDANCE + 0.25 * Analytical paper + 0.25 * Participation + 0.25 * Test

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Zakowski, K., Bochorodycz, B., & Socha, M. (2018). Japan’s Foreign Policy Making : Central Government Reforms, Decision-Making Processes, and Diplomacy. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1584337

Recommended Additional Bibliography

五百旗頭眞, & 簑原俊洋. (2017). The History of US-Japan Relations : From Perry to the Present. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1412742

Course Syllabus