Bachelor
2026/2027
East Asian 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, 1, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
60
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the current political situation in the East Asian region and the existing international relations of the countries of the abovementioned region. The course theoretical knowledge with the analysis of practical experience in East Asia during the past 20 years. It covers all the countries of the region (China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Mongolia) with the inclusion of the Southeast Asian countries and the Russian policy towards East Asia as the important parts of the course. In addition, the students will be exposed to the international relations theories, which were generated in the East Asian countries and the important question of the actuality of these theories will be outlined.
Learning Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand the historical legacies in East Asian international relations, analyze current East Asian foreign affairs through a theoretical lens, explain the impact of transnational issues on East Asian international relations, and evaluate the foreign policies of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Mongolia. Students will also learn to collect, analyze, compare and report research clearly, concisely, logically, and ethically via different mediums, including discussions, posters, and oral presentations.
- The course aims to initiate a systematic and holistic view on the East Asian international relations, the place of the region in the world politics and its influence on the events during the past 20 years through the prism of the IR theory.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Explain and interpret the key events that have shaped contemporary East Asian politics;
- Identify and critically analyze the key factors and stakeholders that have shaped relations between the countries of the region in the 21st century;
- Effectively compare foreign policies of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Mongolia;
- Assess relative strengths and weaknesses of IR theories and approaches as they pertain to East Asia;
- Be able to analyze world politics from a variety of perspectives;
- Be able to apply IR theories to case studies in East Asia;
- Classify, compare and check media reporting on international issues;
- Plan, design and create a research project, presentation;
- Work collaboratively with classmates and reach consensus in decision making;
- Develop clear objectives for their presentation;
- Consider ways of grabbing the listener's attention, holding their interest, and concluding strongly;
- Use slides and visual aids effectively;
- Delivering an enthusiastic and well-practiced presentation;
- Argue and prove their point.
- By studying cases from the past 20 years, students will develop an interest in history and actual world politics.
- By combining theory, history, and actuality, students will develop analytical and debating skills that will enable them to succeed in whatever they do.
- Students will be able to develop a comprehensive and complex view on the differences between the countries of the same region.
- Students will be exposed to Russia’s current attitude towards all countries of the East Asian region.
- Students will be able to discuss the differences not only in the theory, but also in the practice of the East Asian countries.
Course Contents
- Week 1 Introduction. What is East Asia?
- Week 2. What is Non-western IR theory?
- Week 3-4. China as a new IR theory trendsetter. The major Chinese IR schools. Chinese foreign policy
- Week 5-6. Japanese IR theories – the reason behind the lack of solid Japanese IR Theory. Japanese foreign policy
- Week 7-8. South Korean IR theories. South Korean foreign policy
- Week 9. North Korean IR theory. DPRK foreign policy and its role in Eastern Asia
- Week 10. Mongolian IR theories. Mongolian foreign policy
- Week 11-12. South East Asia in International Relations theory – what to apply?
- Week 13-14. Russia and East Asia
- Week 15. PRESENTATIONS & DISCUSSION OF GROUP PROJECTS.
- Topic 5.4. DPRK foreign policy and its role in Eastern Asia
- Topic 5.5 Japanese foreign policy
- Topic 5.6 Mongolian foreign policy
- Topic 5.7 Security & economic alliances
- Part 6. PRESENTATIONS & DISCUSSION OF GROUP PROJECTS
- Introduction. What is East Asia?
Assessment Elements
- ParticipationIn 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 class teacher may pose. The attendance is not a blocking element of the mark.
- Research workshopResearch workshop task will have at its core the presentation on WEEK 7 the thoughts and the ideas on the final project, that will be done during the Term 1. You will have to present the group, the ideas and the theme, that you have chosen for the final project and your presentation of it will be evaluated.
- Media scan
- Final Exam
- Final projectThis assignment will consist of THREE components: Individual paper Group Analysis of the recent news related to the final projects In-class presentation (Week 15)
- Middle-term Exam
- Attendance to the classes
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 2nd module0.1 * Media scan + 0.1 * Attendance to the classes + 0.1 * Final project + 0.1 * Middle-term Exam + 0.2 * Attendance to the classes + 0.1 * Research workshop + 0.1 * Participation + 0.1 * Final Exam
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- International systems in world history : remaking the study of international relations, Buzan, B., 2000
- Олейников И.В. - Внешняя политика России в отношении стран Восточной Азии - 978-5-7782-4198-5 - Новосибирский государственный технический университет - 2020 - https://znanium.ru/catalog/document?id=397620 - 397620 - ZNANIUM
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Олейников И.В. - Международные отношения и внешняя политика стран Восточной Азии - 978-5-7782-3509-0 - Новосибирский государственный технический университет - 2018 - https://znanium.ru/catalog/document?id=397742 - 397742 - ZNANIUM