150066 SE International Relations in East Asia (2013W)

In the first four units, the lecturer will present the main theoretical International Relations approaches, i.e. Realism and Neorealism, Liberalism and Neoliberalism, Constructivism, Postmodernism and Critical Theory. In addition, students will critically discuss key texts about these approaches, their theoretical and methodical benefits and shortcomings.

From week 5 on, students will apply different theories to examine the political-security situation in Southeast Asia, using case studies, e.g. the conflicts in the South China Sea, Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia, the Asian Financial Crisis (AFC) 1997/98, the regional effects of China's rise or the impact of cooperative institutions such as ASEAN plus three, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asian Summit. While the intra-regional relations between South and Northeast Asia will also be addressed, the main geographic focus rests on Southeast Asia.

These selected conflicts or developments will be analysed and presented (group presentations possible), each presentation using a different theory and methodology. This approach will ensure that students learn that while a certain theory has its merits, it has also deficiencies and that a single theory cannot explain all developments and relations within a regional system. For instance, Neorealism struggles to explain the considerable amount of inter-state cooperation in Southeast Asia. At the end of the seminar, students will have a profound understanding of international relations in Southeast Asia and how they can theoretically be assessed. Overall, students will acquire all necessary skills to successfully complete their Master thesis.