Confucianism, capitalism and culture: an introduction to the politics of East Asia
D Wright-Neville
6 points * 3 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton
This subject introduces students to the politics of East Asia, its emergence as a centre of global economic power and the political and diplomatic repercussions this has for countries such as Australia. Particular attention will be paid to the argument that because of the unique cultures of countries of the region a shift in the balance of power to East Asia poses a new set of challenges to countries with a European political heritage. Topics include the relationship between culture and political action in certain East Asian countries and how this manifests itself in the areas of state formation, human rights, gender relations, and international diplomacy. Special emphasis will be given to those countries earmarked by the Australian Government as being of priority, including China, Japan, Indonesia and the newly industrialising countries (NICs).
Assessment
Two written pieces (2500 words): 50% * Examination (2 hours): 50%
Recommended text
Hewison K, Robison R and Rodan G (eds) Southeast Asia in the 1990s: Authoritarianism, democracy and capitalism Allen and Unwin, 1993
Harris S and Cotton J (eds) The end of the Cold War in Northeast Asia Longman Cheshire, 1991