Teaching

This course (generally for first-year undergraduates) provides tools to learn from the historical development of international relations and better understand current issues in global politics. The course introduces and applies international relations (IR) theories from realist/ power-focused, liberal/ interdependence, and constructivist/ identity perspectives. Key concepts include national interests, nationalism, international institutions, arms races, transnational threats, human security, and economic development. Historical coverage includes the World Wars, Cold War and especially the post-Cold War period. In the investigation of contemporary military tensions, financial cooperation, demographic change, and cultural/historical reconciliation, the course devotes particular attention to the East Asian region. Primary means of evaluation are the midterm and final examinations.  

This course (generally for sophomores) investigates the intersection of globalization and identity. The objective is to examine how various aspects of globalization (trade, institutions, governance, historical legacies, migration, technologies of interconnectedness) interact with culture and values. Globalization and identity are heavily contested concepts, and together they touch upon nearly every aspect of modern life. This course introduces various perspectives, especially on postwar East Asia’s political economy. The course will further develop skills for understanding global trends and events, collaborating with classmates to address current debates, and testing competing explanations for how globalization and culture affect each other with lasting human implications. Primary means of evaluation are a group presentation and individually written final examination. 

This course (generally for juniors) investigates contemporary trends, historical factors and political drivers of international security. The objective is to equip students with analytical tools for examining how various domestic and international variables interact with conflict and cooperation. Key concepts include geopolitics, national power and identity, alliances, foreign policy decision making, rationality, misperception, institutional enforcement, democratic peace, hegemonic stability, power transition, financial influence, religion, terrorism and civil war, humanitarian intervention, maritime, cyber and space security, military planning, and peace negotiations. Empirical focus is on the global commons, Middle East peace, U.S. foreign policy, and post-Cold War security among the Koreas, Japan and China. Primary means of evaluation are a detailed research pitch and an essay-based final exam.

This course (generally for seniors) considers how contested domestic politics affect diplomatic relations in East Asia and how issues in international security/economics help shape popular/nationalist and expert/official policy debates in the region. Particular attention is paid to the politics of national pride, political economics, and regional security while exploring how nationalism competes with globalization and regionalism. Various ‘hot spots’ are considered, including the North Korean nuclear issue, the international status of Taiwan, maritime disputes, environmental and public health crises, trade wars, and state-society relations in Southeast Asia. Primary means of evaluation are an analytical research paper and oral final exam.

This workshop course is an opportunity for advanced undergraduates to apply and develop their research and writing skills to produce a paper related to North Korean politics and diplomacy. Each week, we will study different research methodologies while addressing existing literature and competing explanations for North Korean foreign policy outcomes. Then we will workshop a research project in progress by an invited scholar, practitioner or student presenter who aims to produce a paper of publishable quality by the end of the semester. Primary means of evaluation are the research presentation and draft article manuscript.

This M.A./Ph.D. seminar investigates how well international relations theories explain or derive inspiration from inter-state relations in East Asia. Attention is paid to production networks, regional integration, trade and financial institutions, as well as regional security challenges involving North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, China’s multidimensional rise, maritime and territorial disputes, and implications for U.S. alliances with South Korea and Japan. Major topics include cyber espionage and civil liberties, human rights and development, public health, the environment, and women in peace and security. Primary means of evaluation are a presentation of assigned readings, a research paper, and an essay-based final exam.