Guest Lecturers: Rosita Dellios & Ruhul Amin

1. INTRODUCTION

This subject examines alternative formulations of international relations, and new ways to meet the crises and challenges of the 21^st century. Beginning with an overview of the existing approaches to International Relations, the subject quickly moves on to alternative approaches to power, environmental problems, financial institutions, the role of culture, new approaches to international civil society, and the future role of non-government organisations. The subject also considers the development of special regions, information-based networks, and the notion of the sustainable city. In large measure, these problems are situated within the wider dynamic of contested patterns of 'turbulent' globalisation whereby societies try to negotiation transnational change. New concepts of governance, capitalism and democracy may need to be devised to meet these challenges. Designed to be of benefit to students in the humanities, international relations, business and law areas, it provides a topical account of rapid changes that are already influencing individuals and communities around the world. The main themes of the subject are explored through a case study approach, with examples drawn from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Students will be introduced to innovative approaches to problem solving, international co-operation, and globalisation. Students are encouraged to take up individual research topics that are of interest to them, or fit in with vocational requirements. No specific pre-requisites are needed, but students without some background in International Relations, International Business or International Law should do some background reading (see below).

2. Course Lecture and Seminar Timetable:

Week 1. Lecture - Introduction: Alternative Outlooks in a Period of Contested Globalisation

Seminar: Orientation, Course Overview and Introduction

Week 2. Lecture - International Relations from Thucydides to Kofi Annan

Seminar Options:

• War and the Nation State
• The New Diplomacy - Beyond Foreign Affairs
• New Models of Balance of 'Power'
• Comprehensive Security
• Power, Persuasion and Influence
• Alternative Models of International Society
• Interdependence and Globalization
• Non-Military Forms of Conflict: Coercive Diplomacy, ‘Information Wars’, Trade and Economic Competition
• Construction, Cognition and the 'New Institutionalism'
• New Visions of Sovereignty and Power Legitimation

Seminar Options:

• Superpower or Metapower?: The Chinese Case
• Soft Power and International Diplomacy
• International Engagement: China and Globalization
• Regimes and Norms: China, the UN, and the WTO
• Managing Reform in China
• Beyond Superpower Definitions

Seminar Options:

• The Impact of Political Culture, e.g. Asian leadership styles
• Culture as a Resource During Crisis, e.g. Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea
• Strategic Cultures: Chinese verses Western Strategic Traditions
• Culture and Religious Dialogue, e.g. Malaysian pluralism, International Trends in Buddhism, The Role of the Orthodox Church in Russia, Islam in Europe
• Cultural Arbiters, e.g. the Vatican, Indigenous Peoples, French Cultural Policy, IKIM and Modernising Islam in Malaysia, the Values Commission in Norway, etc.
• New Subcultures: Underclasses, Nomads, and Virtual Net Communities
• Cultural Aspects in South African national policy

Seminar Options:

• ‘Overseas’ Chinese in Southeast Asia
• Trading Networks in East Asia
• Malay and Indonesia Trading Traditions
• The Role of Languages in National Policy
• The Down-side of Asian Networks
• Fukuyama’s Theory of a Trust-based Society
• Types of Networks: Hierarchical verses Egalitarian?
• Indonesia and the Reconciliation with the Chinese Community
• Diaspora in the international system (Jewish, Afro-American, Armenian)

Seminar Options:

• Poverty in an Age of Interdependence
• Building Local Economic Resilience
• Raiders, Traders and Money Markets
• The Mahathir-Soros Debate
• The World Bank: In Need of Reform?
• The Post-World War II Economic settlement
• The ASEAN Free Trade Area: Mirage or Panacea?
• Influence of the World Economic Forum
• WTO: Victim or Villain?
• The International Monetary Fund
• Free Trade Area of the Americas

Seminar Options:

• The Grameen Bank in South Asia
• The Feminist critique of the Grameen Bank
• Is Interest-Free Banking Possible?
• Islamic Banks in the Middle East
• Islamic Banks in Southeast Asia
• Stakeholders verses Shareholders in Community Development
• Models and Measures of Human Development
• Micro-Credit Programs (Africa and Latin America)

Seminar Options:

• Outcomes of the 1997 Kyoto Conference
• Greenhouse Effects: Island and Asian Nations at Risk
• The International Cost of Climate Change
• The 2001 Crisis in the Kyoto process
• El-Nino and the Asia-Pacific Region: Economic and Political Impacts
• Sustainable Industries, e.g. prospects for Forestry, Fishing, Energy Resources
• Techno-optimism - ‘We Can Fix It Tomorrow’
• APEC and Sustainable Economies
• Buddhist Views on Sustainable Development
• Science as a source of authority in International Bargaining (see Litfin 2000)
• Balanced and Humane Economies - Possible in the 21^st Century?

Seminar Options:

• Globalization as ‘the West and the Rest’
• Globalization verses Asianisation
• Globalism as an Ideology
• Pluralism in the Global System: Diversity and ‘World Culture’
• Media Wars, e.g. Cinema - Hollywood verses National Cultures; Language Dominance on the Net; Censorship in Age of International Transparency
• Consumerism in India
• Feminist Perspectives on Globalization
• Investment Regimes and State Autonomy
• Parallel Patterns of Globalization
• Unions, Protest and International Mobilisation
• Cuban Culture and Politics

Seminar Options:

• Great-City Networks
• Cities under Pressure, e.g. Mexico City, Jakarta, Mumbai (Bombay), Dakar, Cairo
• The Role of Trading Cities, e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, New York
• The United Nations Sustainable City Project
• The ‘Foreign Relations’ of Cities
• Urbanization in China
• Urbanisation outcomes in Latin America
• Rising City Centres: Shanghai and Berlin

• People Power and Political Change, e.g. East Germany, former Czechoslovakia, Russia, the Philippines
• New forms of Capitalist Organisation
• Theories of Overlapping Governance and Subsidiarity
• Organising Across Boundaries: International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs)
• Case Studies: Amnesty International, Greenpeace, World Council of Churches etc.
• The Risks and Benefits of Humanitarian Intervention
• Passive Resistance, Public Demand, and Non-Participation
• The Power of The Weak: Violence, Resistance and Terror
• Eco-activism and/or Eco-terrorism
• Cyber-democracy and the Information Divide

Tutorial-Seminar: Class Think-Tank and Course Summing Up
 
 

3. INITIAL READINGS AND RESOURCES

No single textbook has been written which covers all these new areas. The subject lecture bloc, handed out in large segments during the course, will provide all essential data.

Text:

FERGUSON, R. James & DELLIOS, Rosita Advanced International Relations: Alternative Outlooks in an Age of Turbulent Globalisation, Lecture Bloc, 2001

Recommended reading:

Voluntary Background Reading could begin with one of the following (in Library) -

Essential data will be provided in lecture handouts. The lecturer will direct you to weekly readings and a range of research materials to supplement these items (held in Bond University Library). See the 'Research Bibliography' below for a selection that will give you an idea of some of the materials available. You will also need to use a range of journals, magazines and newspapers to keep up to date. Check CD-ROM sources (especially the Social Sciences Index), the reserve and reference shelves, the serials on level 4 of the library, and the Vertical Files in the reserve section of the library, as well as the Internet.

Journals and Magazines:

The following journals and papers will also be useful (Check level 4 of the Library, CD-ROM resources and Electronic Journals): -

A number of Websites are quite useful, and more are coming on line every month. As usual, it is important to check net sources for bias, and to use a range of different sources where possible. Different specialist sites will be pointed out in lecture handouts, but the following are quite useful: -

• Electric Library. This includes a wide range of articles and chapters from books. It is accessible via Bond University Library.
• Infotrac SearchBank. This includes a wide range of articles and abstracts. Once again, it is accessible from Bond University Library.
• Proquest is a useful database also available at Bond University Library.
• The Sustainable Development Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has a database of 1200 articles on a wide range development and environmental issues. [Web address = http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/sustdev/]

• The ASEAN Web provides a wide range of data on countries and economics in Southeast Asia [Web address = http://www.asean.or.id/]
• ISN: International Relations and Security Network is a clearing house for a wide range of information, including updates on current crises on a global basis. [Web address = http://www.isn.ethz.ch/]
• Foreign Policy in Focus is very useful website with articles on news events, specific regions, and globalisation issues. Located at http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/index.html
• Useful links, specialised news services and related course materials can be found at the International Relations Portal (maintained by the course co-ordinator) at www.international-relations.com

4. Assessment

Grades are awarded on the standard Bond University scale. Students are expected to meet normal academic criteria. Students may use either the footnote or author-date system of referencing so long as this is done consistently. Essays without references within the body of the paper will not be marked. Standard academic rules apply to this course. Remember that plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged use of another person's words or ideas, verbatim or paraphrased, will result in severe penalties (see School and University Handbooks). Please talk to your lecturer if in doubt about these issues. Standard referencing techniques, as taught in the Core Communication Skills subject, or in other Bond University International Relations subjects, are acceptable.

Assessment Breakdown:

Seminar Presentation: As booked into Seminar Timetable (this will be passed out in the first tutorial, and finalised by Week 3). Presentation slots will be available for Weeks 2-11.

Written Seminar Paper: One week after Presentation.

Essays: Due Week 10 unless otherwise negotiated. If you are presenting a seminar in weeks 10-12, it is best to hand in your essay before that time. It is suggested that you have your topic finalised by Week 8.

Seminar Guidelines

The aim of the seminars is to 1) expose other students to a wide range of topics, data, research and viewpoints 2) to stimulate thought and discussion on the topic 3) to sharpen presentation and discussion skills 4) to act as a 'risk free' run through of your paper 5) to cover subjects in more detail than can be done in the lectures.

After verbal presentation of the seminar, the final version of the seminar paper is submitted one week later. Any ideas or areas for improvement which have been pointed out by the lecturer or other students should be incorporated into the final version of your paper. The seminars also help assess your progress in the subject, so that I can give you help or advice as required. Note, however, that the written up seminar papers should be as well researched and referenced as your essay papers.

A range of themes are briefly indicated in the Timetable. Choose one of these areas, or see the lecturer to plan an individual topic. In either case, make sure you frame a more precise research question which you will answer in your seminar. You will need to do some individual research on this, and use current magazines, papers and journals to cover the issues. See the lecturers, or the librarian, for help in identifying some of these resources.

In the presentation, it is best to provide students with a 'base' information sheet, outlining your topic, the central question, the key facts, and a summary of your conclusion. Include a bibliography of your sources and ensure that you reference these properly. Since there will be 1-3 speakers each week, plan your speaking time for 15 minutes with 5-10 minutes discussion time. You will need to have prepared some key questions to lead this class discussion. You may use video sources, overheads, computer or audio materials but ensure that suitable equipment is available. If you are using video, use short and appropriate film selections. Bearing in mind the time-limits, you may need to present a slightly shortened version of your fuller, and more detailed seminar paper. Remember, you will not be assessed on how good a speaker you are. However, if you present your ideas clearly, this helps inform other students, and allows stronger feedback to be given on your topic. If you have booked in for a week ensure that you present at that time. If you need to re-book a time, see your lecturer in advance. Material presented in seminars is an integral part of the subject.

Sample Essay Questions

The following are some essay topics which you can research. Where an author or date is cited, the full details will be found in the Research Bibliography at the end of this Study Guide. Alternatively, in conjunction with your lecturer, you may alter the focus of these questions, or negotiate an individual topic. In all cases, avoid excessive overlap with your seminar paper. (If in doubt, ask your lecturer.)

1. Is the global system moving towards a more co-operative or competitive international system? Critically discuss. (See for example Pettman 1991; Henderson 1998)

2. Does China have a particularly ‘strategic culture’? What are China's 'strategic' goals? (Johnston 1995 is a good starting point)

3. Has international civil society developed to the point where it can begin to shape the behaviour of ‘uncivilised’ or ‘rogue’ states? Discuss using at least one major example.

4. Design your own NGO or INGO (non-government organisation, or international non-government organisation). What is the aim, organisational-structure, and funding base for your NGO?

5. ‘Power has now been re-defined in economic terms, but remains at the heart of international relations.’ Critically discuss, using two examples where ‘power’ assessments have been erroneous.

6. ‘Microstates, such as some of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean nations, are no longer viable.’ Critically discuss, considering alternative approaches for these island communities.

7. ‘One of China’s great strengths is her unique and developed culture.’ Critically discuss. Will this remain true in the face of globalisation trends during the 21^st century?

8. In visits to Africa during March 1998, President Clinton spoke of an ‘African Renaissance’ based on capitalism, trade and democracy. Are these factors sufficient to guarantee some kind of African revival? What other factors need to be taken into account?

9. ‘The creation of dozens of megacities in Asia during the 21^st century will create a nightmare for millions of urban poor.’ Critically discuss.

10. Will major urban centres, e.g. St. Petersburg, New York, Shanghai, demand more autonomy and a greater say in international affairs during the early 21^st century? On what basis will these demands be made?

11. Are the demands of economic growth and environmental protection fundamentally in conflict? What types of economic development are compatible with an intact ecology?

12. ‘With the end of the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) can have no true purpose.’ Critically discuss. (Begin with Lepor 1997).

13. What is the foreign policy of the Vatican? Is the Catholic Church a viable international actor?

14. ‘Sea resources should be a major reserve for the 21^st century. Ironically, maritime resources are either in decline, or can become the basis of conflict. Neither the "Law of the Sea" (UNCLOS) nor the development of Exclusive Economic Zones has resolved this problem.’ Critically discuss.

15. Can ‘cultural internationalism’ help provide a more stable world order? (See for example Iriya 1997)

16. Are the current trends of globalisation really leading to a ‘20:80 society’ in which only a small elite in the world will have truly productive jobs? Are other models of globalisation possible? (Begin with Martin 1997).

17. ‘The Rio and Kyoto Conferences on the environment were both qualified failures.’ Critically discuss. What could realistically be expected from such international conferences? (See for example Bolin 1998 & Litfin 2000)

18. Has globalisation moved past its early phase of Westernisation and modernisation to include a phase of ‘Asianisation’? Critically discuss. (See for example Funabashi 1993)

19. Outline reforms and reform processes that are needed if the United Nations is to be both representative of global cultures and be able to engage civil society in the 21^st century (begin with Luck 2000).

20. Is national identity obsolete in the 21^st century? What are the effects of eroding national and cultural identity? (You may choose a region or country to focus on in this essay).

21. Does the idea of ‘freedom’ have currency and importance in world affairs, or is this a dated legacy from Enlightenment Europe? (You may choose a region or country to focus on in this essay. See Kelly & Reid 1998 for example).

22. Can great economic powers, such as Japan, the U.S. the European Union, really develop global strategies that effectively pursue their national economic interests? Do such states lead 'globalisation-from-above' for their own competitive advantage? Discuss one example of such a national strategy (for example see Mendl 1997 & Herod et al. 1998).

23. Can traditional religious systems be a source of creative adaptation in dealing with rapid change in the modern period? Critically discuss, using at least one test case. (See for example Otto & Borsboom 1998, Callicott & Ames 1989, or Gellner 1994)

24. Can global ‘food security’ be provided by the free market? Is guaranteeing the ‘fundamental right’ to food a valid international obligation? (Start with McLaughlin 1997 & Mittal 1997) What other strategies can be applied to this problem?

25. Were events in Beijing during 1989 the result of a failed exercise of ‘people power’? If so, what errors, if any, did the democracy movement make? What alternative strategies could have been employed?

26. Will the Internet remain dominated by the English language? If so, what are the implications of such a trend? How will countries such as France or China deal with these issues?

27. On average, women own less land and are also poorer than men. This is especially true in underdeveloped and developing countries. Are women truly ‘the last colony’? If so, why? (Start with Pettman 1991).

28. Can labour movements and unions become effectively internationalised? What are the negative and positive aspects of such a trend? (start with Herod et al. 1998)

29. Due to the U.S. embargo, Cuba has largely stayed outside the main trends of Western-lead globalisation. How has Cuba survived, and what are its prospects in the near future?

30. Should Brazil have a permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations? What would be the implications of such reform?

31. Do nations have a 'right to spy'? Under what conditions may nations, or the international community, demand transparency from other countries?

32. Are nationalism and globalisation always opposing trends? Discuss using examples. (Begin with Shulman 2000)

5. RESEARCH BIBLIOGRAPHY

This is a small sample of the some of the items that are related to the course subject matter. These materials will be found on the loan shelves, in the library reserve area, in the INTR13-310 Vertical File (Library Reserve), in the journals area or in the Electronic Journals or CD-ROM resources (see especially the Social Sciences Index). Other items have been ordered in during the 2000-2001 period (check with the on-line catalogue or the reference librarian for availability). Of course, you are not expected to read all this material, but when beginning to research your essay or seminar topic, this list, plus references appended to the lecture notes, are good places to start your search.