Background in economic history of modern Japan preferred. Stress will be given to the analytic and policy interests in the operation and management of an economic system built on different social and institutional foundations from those in Australia. The purpose of this course is to survey the development of and economic relations among Asia Pacific economies and to explore relevant business and public policy issues. Major topics include development, trade, protectionism, direct investment and technology transfer, foreign exchange regimes, capital flows, foreign aid, and regional institutional arrangements. Attention to individual domestic economies will be limited, although there is occasional special focus on Japan, China and Indonesia.
Class meetings combine lectures with discussion and case analysis.
The assigned reading load is heavy, as the breadth of regional economic relationships necessitates. A student s participation in this course is commitment to do a careful, critical reading of the four required materials. Students will get more from the course if they attempt as much as possible of the suggested reading as well, including all of the suggested reading on some topics. It would be physically impossible for a student to read all of the suggested list, and intelligent selection is essential. When books are suggested, it will usually be possible to focus on one or more key chapters.