Political Systems of East Asia Countries

The course is aimed at introducing current political systems of East Asian countries. It covers such aspects as the structure of government, its origins and development, influential domestic and international factors. The course is also paying a lot of attention to linking theories of political science to existing situation in East Asian countries, as well as contemporary analysis of political systems that exist in the region. The course seeks to answer such questions as why East Asian countries display a wide variety of political systems? How differences in governmental structure influence state’s domestic and foreign policies? How do political systems transition from one to another? East Asia region with its variety and dynamic contemporary history can provide plenty of data to explore and answer these questions. It is expected that after finishing the course students will be able to understand, explain and analyse political systems of East Asia, their development, theoretical and empirical linkages, and ways in which different political systems manifest themselves in practice.

The course is aimed at introducing current political systems of East Asian countries.

English language (B1 or higher)

1. Introduction 2. History and development of the region 3. China's political system 4. China's policies 5. The political system of Hong Kong, Macao and the Autonomous Regions 6. Taiwan's political system 7. Taiwan's policies 8. Japan’s political system 9. Japan’s policies 10. South Korean political system 11. South Korea's policies 12. North Korean political system 13. North Korea's policies 14. Comparison of political systems 15. Political systems and East Asian regionalism 16. Forecast of the development of East Asian political systems

Knowledge of East Asian countries’ political systems. Ability to name political systems and peculiarities of their structural elements. Ability to compare countries’ political systems and analyze them using political science theoretical approaches. Ability to do assigned homework tasks, write an essay during assessments, participate in discussions.