Bachelor 2025/2026

Southeast Asia in Contemporary System of International Relations

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

Delivered by: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 2 year, 3, 4 module

Open to: students of one campus

Language: English

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course provides a general introduction of the contemporary international relations in Southeast Asia with an emphasis upon political-security and economic regionalism. It examines the key theoretical perspectives on international relations and regionalism in Southeast Asia, provides a general understanding of international actors and their role in the region, introduces the evolution of ASEAN, its mechanisms, values, principles, decision-making process and the conceptualization of such phenomenon as “ASEAN-centrality”. Emphasis is also placed on security challenges that Southeast Asian nations face today, as well as in non-traditional area. The course provides an introduction of ASEAN Communities goals and development prospects. Discussions on Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions and the emergence of minilateral formats such as QUAD and AKUS are also carefully examined. The course explores Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership and Russia’s foreign policy towards individual ASEAN-member state. The course stimulates the students’ conceptual thinking and develops a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations in Southeast Asia. Pre-requisites:Introduction to International RelationsIntroduction to Political ScienceModern History of Southeast AsiaEconomic & Political Geography of Southeast Asia