Master
2024/2025
Asia in World Geopolitics
Type:
Compulsory course (Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia)
Area of studies:
Asian and African Studies
Delivered by:
School of Asian Studies
When:
2 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Фурсов Кирилл Андреевич
Master’s programme:
Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The proposed course belongs to the block of disciplines providing both theoretical and practical knowledge in the sphere of geopolitics. The course is based on the following disciplines: International Relations and Conflict Management, Political Science, etc. The main academic aim of the course is to acquaint students with the geopolitics of Asia (including the Middle East) in the global context both in theoretical and practical aspects. The theoretical aspect presupposes the acquaintance with the concepts of major theoreticians of both geopolitical schools (tellurocratic and thalassocratic). The practical aspect comprises the forming of adequate knowledge and understanding of the reasons, dynamics and trends of geopolitical struggle in Asia. Students are to learn to analyse current geopolitical situation on the basis of the national interests of Russia and other states genuinely interested in Asia’s stability, security and prosperity. To succeed students are required to listen to the lectures, read the materials, prepare and give talks in the prescribed order and listen to others’ talks attentively, as well as to memorise the factological minimum (the lists of some personalia, terms, etc.) to pass it as a pre-exam. The examination itself presupposes questions on the lectures and talks given during the units of study.
Learning Objectives
- The main academic aim of the course is to acquaint students with Asian geopolitics in the global context both in theoretical and practical aspects. The theoretical aspect presupposes the acquaintance with the concepts of major theoreticians of both main geopolitical schools (tellurocratic and thalassocratic). The practical aspect comprises the forming of adequate knowledge and understanding of the reasons, dynamics and trends of geopolitical struggle in Asia.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- • Knows major geopolitical schools, their terminology and representatives; • Is able to apply the abovesaid knowledge to Asia’s current situation; • Is acquainted with personalia, organizations, infrastructure projects and geographic objects important for Asia’s current geopolitics; • Knows the main factors and current trends of regional, Asian and world geopolitics;
- • Is acquainted with various types of geopolitical actors in contemporary Asia; • Is able to discern the threats to regional and global stability and security, especially from extra-Eurasian powers; • Is able to present his or her opinion on topics related to Asia’s geopolitics in a well-argued manner; • Comprehends Russia’s national interests and the common interests of Eurasian states in the face of world warmongers.
Course Contents
- Introduction. The Subject of Geopolitics, Its Main Theoretical Schools and Thinkers.
- Asia in World Geopolitics by the Early 21st Century: An Overview.
- The Main Categories of Geopolitical Actors in Contemporary World.
- Main Asian Regions in Current Geopolitics: The State Dimension.
- World Islamism as a Geopolitical Factor.
- The Geopolitics of Hindutva.
- The Geopolitics of Drug Traffic and Piracy in Asia.
- Asia’s Transport and Energy Geopolitics.
- Colour Revolutions as a Geopolitical Instrument.
- The SCO and the BRICS Potential in the Making of a Multipolar World.
- Some Prognoses of Asia’s Geopolitics and the Lessons for Russia.
Assessment Elements
- Attendance
- Talk Presentation• Talk Presentation 0.3 = 0.15 (1st module) + 0.15 (2nd module)
- Factological Minimum• Factological Minimum 0.2 = 0.1 (1st module) + 0.1 (2nd module)
- Examination
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 2nd module0.1 * Attendance + 0.4 * Examination + 0.2 * Factological Minimum + 0.3 * Talk Presentation
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Geopolitics. Vol.1: ., , 2009
- Geopolitics. Vol.2: ., , 2009
- Geopolitics. Vol.3: ., , 2009
- Geopolitics. Vol.4: ., , 2009
- Introduction to geopolitics, Flint, C., 2012
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Geopolitics and Geostrategy of the Islamic World, Safavi, S. Y., 2024