Master
2025/2026
Comparative Regionalism: Institutions and Cooperation in Asia
Type:
Elective course (Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations)
When:
1 year, 3, 4 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course examines regional dynamics in Asia, focusing on institutional frameworks and cooperation mechanisms. It explores how key East Asian states—China, Japan, and South Korea—balance national sovereignty with regional integration, while addressing issues such as membership, commitments, and interdependencies. Students will analyze prominent regional organizations, including ASEAN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), APEC, and SAARC, and assess their roles in shaping regional orders and governance structures.
The course also delves into these states' engagement with international organizations, both within and beyond the United Nations system. It examines their contributions to global governance in areas such as security, development assistance, human rights, migration, health, and environmental protection. Through theoretical insights and case studies, students will explore how Asian states interact with universal and specialized institutions to address transnational challenges and advance regional interests.
By the end of the course, students will gain the analytical tools needed to compare regional governance mechanisms and evaluate their impact on critical issues like trade, security, migration, and sustainability. This foundation will enable them to critically assess Asia’s role in global governance and its evolving influence on international relations.