In this course, contemporary security challenges and policy responses in East Asia are analyzed from a variety of different theoretical perspectives. The basic assumption is that only such a multi-facetted approach can help us understand and integrate the broad spectrum of security concerns and the intricate interactions between them, ranging from human security through traditional national security to regional and global security issues, in this highly complex region (defined here as China and its maritime environment in North and South East Asia). And only such a comprehensive understanding of security in East Asia can provide us with useful tools to evaluate national, regional and multilateral policy responses.

Geostrategic risk is the term used to bracket one of the most important collections of variables in macroeconomic policy making, trade and investment. The onset of war or other forms of violent conflict can close access to foreign markets, disrupt global supply chains, threaten energy resources, and depress business and consumer confidence. Therefore, of primary concern are the points at which diplomacy gives way to conflict and conflict results in violence. Terrorism is similarly disruptive, but the actors involved are different and the scale of direct destruction is (usually) more limited. But these are only the most obvious sources of geopolitical risk. Governments and business leaders should also pay attention to any rise in cross-cultural tensions; they should look at migration flows, human trafficking, and organized crime. Cross-border reputational risk is also a potential problem: today's special relationship can easily develop into tomorrow's embarrassment and the next day's major problem. Finally, there are the unique dynamics associated with multilateral bargaining and international organizations. Students will come away from this course understanding how the broad array of 'international relations' factors into political and economic calculations. They will gain exposure to a range of causal mechanisms tied to issues like the onset of war, terrorist attacks, criminal activities, cross-cultural sensitivities, complex negotiations and supranational institutions. Along the way, students will prepare case studies to illustrate just how these risks have emerged in diverse parts of the world, but also how they have been managed from the perspective of a single firm or government.

The Indo-Pacific has developed into a new framework for regional co-operation and contestation between the major powers, replacing the earlier notion of the Asia-Pacific. It reflects the rise of China and its Belt and Road Initiative, which aspires to weld together the Eurasian landmass and its adjacent areas in a two-pronged, transcontinental and maritime drive. This course explores the material foundations, the perspectives and strategies of the major players in this huge maritime area, the patterns of co-operation and conflict in their interactions and the arrangements - and their deficiencies - for transregional international order.