Humanities and Social Sciences

Politics and International Relations Program

MIPS - Coursework Subjects

Globalisation and Governance
China, Indonesia and India: State, Economy and Security
Security Policy in a Borderless World

Globalisation and Governance (20CP)

Convenors: Professor Joseph A. Camilleri and Dr Anthony P. Jarvis

This subject considers the economic, technological and cultural forces which are reshaping the regional and global environment. The growth of transnational investment, production and trade since 1945 has been accompanied by an equally spectacular expansion of international finance. While these trends are subject to considerable ebb and flow and to significant national variations, the increasing integration of global markets and interpenetration of national economies have become distinguishing features of the international political as much as economic system. The subject examines the nature and pace of technological change, the role of the information revolution, and their implications for the state’s capacity to perform its traditional economic and security functions. Using Australia and Indonesia as case studies, and drawing on current policy debates, it then proceeds to a wider analysis of the implications of globalisation for both states, and in particular for democratic institutions. Finally, the subject will investigate the complex challenges posed by globalisation for Indonesia’s and Australia’s role in regional and global multilateral institutions.

Assessment: One 3,000 word assignment and one 2-hour final examination.

Topics:

1. Themes and Theories of Globalisation and Governance
2. Structure and Order in the Global Political Economy
3. The Globalisation of International Trade
4. Bilateralism, Multilateralism and ‘Aggressive Unilateralism’
5. The Globalisation of International Investment
6. The Globalisation of International Monetary Relations
7. Regionalisation and Global Competition
8. The Globalisation of Technology
9. Globalisation, Democracy and Global Governance
10. Case Study I: Locating Australia in the global political economy
11. Case study II: Locating Indonesia in the global political economy
12. Review, Conclusions and Examination Preparation

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China, Indonesia and India: State, Economy and Security (20CP)

Convenor: Professor Joseph A. Camilleri

Asia encompasses a great many cultures and traditions. This subject conveys something of that diversity, but focuses on the three major centres of power in contemporary Asia: China, Indonesia and India. It examines the profound economic and political changes now sweeping the three countries, but sets these in the context of enduring cultural influences. In each case a key theme will help to organise the material and illustrate the crucial linkages between local, national, regional and global processes and institutions. Particular attention will be directed to the international trade and investment policies of these countries, and to their role in regional and global multilateral institutions (e.g., World Trade Organisation, APEC).

Other issues to be highlighted include:

China: the implications of China’s modernisation programme for domestic governance (in particular the role of the Chinese Communist Party) on the one hand and for its relations with the outside world (especially with the United States) on the other.

Indonesia: the transition from authoritarian to democratic rule, and the impact of this process on: the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia (with particular reference to Aceh, East Timor and Papua); Australian-Indonesian relations; and the place of Islam within Indonesian society and politics.

India: the social and political divisions within India, the roots of these divisions, and the conditions which underpin the relationship with Pakistan generally and the Kashmir conflict in particular.

Assessment: One 3,000 word assignment and one 2-hour final examination.

Topics:

PART A: CHINA

1. China: Modernisation and Transformation
2. Social and Cultural Change
3. Old Political Forms, New Challenges
4. China in Regional Affairs
   

PART B: INDONESIA

5. Democratization and decentralisation of government
6. Aceh, Papua and East Timor in, and, in the case of the latter, also out of the Republic of Indonesia
7. Australian-Indonesian Relations
8. Islam, Islamisation and Islamism in Indonesia
   

PART C: INDIA

9. Society and Politics in India
10. Institutions and Elites
11. India and the Question of Security
12. India in International Affairs
    

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Security Policy in a Borderless World (20CP)

Convenor: Professor Joseph A. Camilleri

The transport and communications revolution of the last several decades, coupled with the computerisation of knowledge, has drastically impacted on the state, not least on security policy. The rising threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and ever more sophisticated means of delivery has raised new questions about the use of force as an appropriate or rational instrument of policy. At the same time the march of economic globalisation appears to be contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of intra-state conflicts. This subject examines the implications of these complex trends for security, understood both in its traditional sense as protection against military threats, but also in its less conventional sense as economic, political or environmental security. Issues to be explored include terrorism, piracy, large population movements, transnational crime, pandemics (notably HIV/AIDS), and environment. The focus is on the nature of these transnational challenges to security, and on the normative, legal and institutional responses to these challenges. Consideration is given to broader notions of security (‘common security’, ‘co-operative security’, ‘comprehensive security’, and ‘human security’) and their policy implications. The focus will be upon the Asia-Pacific region.

Assessment: One 3,000 word assignment and one 2-hour final examination.

Topics:

1. Transnational issues and security
2. Population and conflict
3. Deforestation, pollution and climate change
4. Will there be an energy 'gap'?
5. Is a food crisis likely?
6. Water wars
7. Unregulated population movements, ethnic conflict and the State
8. People smuggling, undocumented labour migration and refugees
9. Transnational crime
10. Drug-trafficking: an emerging threat
11. The AIDS 'Pandemic'
12. Review and Conclusions

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