Institutions and Political Process in Asia

The course focuses on the decision-making process in the institutional arenas of two important East Asian countries, the People's Republic of China and Japan.
The aim of the course is to provide the critical tools necessary to understand and analyze in a historical and comparative perspective the political change, institutions and political systems that have developed in these two countries since the Second World War, with reference to the evolution of the relationship between state and society. The comparison of these two cases will allow the discussion of some features of East Asian politics.

At the end of the course, students will know the decisive aspects of the political change, institutions and political systems that have developed in China and Japan since World War II. They are expected to be able to understand the historical and social factors that have influenced the political evolution of the two countries.

The tools acquired during the course will enable students to critically analyze the most recent events and connect them to local and international historical dynamics, to key concepts of international studies learnt in other courses.

Finally, the students will be able to develop critical and judgmental skills and communication skills through the examination of primary and secondary sources, involvement in presentations and class discussions.