GLOBAL ASIAN STUDIES 3: POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS

This course aims at providing students with a general introduction to the modern history of Asian countries (XIX-XXI centuries). It also aims at providing the analytical instruments to understand historical phenomena such as imperialism, colonialism, nationalism and decolonization in Asia. The course will also include case studies addressing different regions in Asia thanks to the participation of guest lecturers to the course.

1.Knowledge and understanding:
knowledge of the dynamics related to imperialism and colonization processes, nationalisms and decolonization as occurred in Asia since the 19th century; understanding the main factors informing the current political system and life of Asian countries.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding:
ability to apply the tools of contemporary political history to the study of Asian countries in a critical and autonomous way.

3. Making judgements: ability to critically evaluate political and institutional contexts and their evolution in Asia.

4. Communication skills: Ability to illustrate the different aspects dealt with in the course in a clear and analytical way.

5. Learning skills:
Ability to critically integrate the documents provided by the teacher and the notes taken in class.

No prerequisites are required to attend the course

First part.
1.Francesco Saverio Leopardi. The integration of Asia into the world system: A history from the 19th century to the Second World War.
2.Francesco Saverio Leopardi. Nationalism, decolonization, independence.
3.Francesco Saverio Leopardi. State-Building in Asia and the rise of Asian states to the world stage.
4.Francesco Saverio Leopardi. Trajectories of economic development in Asia.
5. Francesco Saverio Leopardi. “Pivot to Asia”: China’s rise as new centre in a multipolar world.

Second part: case studies.
This second part will be devoted to the analysis of several case studies and specific topics. Guest lecturers will cover some of the classes.

Suggested readings:

Western Asia:
Cleveland, William L., and Martin P. Bunton. A History of the Modern Middle East. 5th ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2013.
Gelvin, James L. The Modern Middle East: a History. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Japan:
Richard Samuels, Machiavelli’s Children, Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2003
John Swenson-Wright. Unequal Allies? United States Security and Alliance Policy Towards Japan, 1945-1960. Stanford University Press, 2005.
Marius B. Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan, Cambridge M.A.: Harvard University Press, 2000:
John Dower, Empire and Aftermath: Yoshida Shigeru and the Japanese Experience, 1878-1954, Cambridge M.A.: Harvard University Press, 1988:

Russia:
Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game: On Secret Service in High Asia, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.
Stephen Blank, Energy, economics and security in Central Asia: Russia and it's rivals, Central Asia Survey, 14:3
Sarah O'Hara, Great game or Grubby game? The struggle for the control of the Caspian, Geopolitics, 4 Jun 2010

India
Bipan Chandra, et.al., India Since Independence, Penguin, 2008, Penguin, India, 30th reprint 2018

China
Sebastian Heilmann, China's Political System, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers 2017
William A. Joseph, Politics in China: An Introduction, Oxford University Press 2014
John King Fairbank,‎ Merle Goldman, China: A New History, 2nd Revised & enlarged Edition, Belknap Press, 2006

Mid-term test: the students will give a presentation on an agreed topic.

Final test: Each student will write a 4000-word paper on one of the main topics addressed in the course e.g. imperialism, decolonization, state-building, economic development, etc. Papers should focus on an Asian country that was not examined in class. Alternative subjects can be agreed upon discussion during office hours.

Interactive lectures, slides, readings.

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