This course explores patterns of international economic and security relations among major nations of the Pacific Basin. Particular attention is given to the rising economic competitiveness and technological sophistication of Northeast Asia, to any modifications in this trend that the recent Asian financial crisis suggests, and to the implications of changing economic capabilities for both intra-regional relationships and for the global political economy as a whole. The course begins assessment of the Asian financial crisis. The next one third of the course is devoted to understanding salient domestic traits of the major Pacific nations which shape their ability to influence the course of international relations.
Special attention is given to the prospective futures of South Korea, China, Korea, and Japan.
The second section of the course examines the structure of specific bilateral and emerging multilateral relationships within the Pacific region. Consideration is also given to regional integration tendencies, together with possible similarities and differences between emerging regional integration patterns in the Pacific, on the one hand, and earlier patterns of integration among the Atlantic nations. The final section of the course considers the implications of domestic and bilateral international developments within the region for the broader regional and global political systems. The seminar will consider the adequacy of existing institutions and the merits of various alternatives, in meeting the prospective challenges of coming decades. Written outline required.