It begins with a very brief introduction to basic theories about international relations and continues with a short historical overview focusing on the post-war period. The primary focus of the course is a series of in-depth case studies which define the region today. These include the territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas, the North Korean nuclear issue, Japan’s turn away from pacificism, Cross-Straits relations (China and Taiwan), and the past, present, and future of US involvement and military bases in the region.

The course is based on the student's active participation, and will enable students to develop their ability to critically assess and develop theoretically-informed analyses of the dynamics of these cases.