INTS 320 : Politics and Governance in Asia

Home to over half the world’s population, the 24 countries of South, Southeast, and East Asia present diverse political worlds. This course is intended to provide students with a detailed understanding of the diverse political systems and issues in (and between) Asian countries. It examines colonial legacies, struggles for democracy, the challenges of military and populist rule, ethnic politics, development, armed resistance, regional cooperation, and more. Students are expected to develop deeper knowledge of and appreciation for politics in Asian countries. Far from being a story of top-down power politics, students will also learn about grassroots struggles and forms of resistance. Above all, this course emphasizes diverse political contexts across Asia’s political landscapes.