This course is available for on-campus & online learning. Students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
The Asia-Pacific region is changing rapidly as a result of economic development, political change, and shifting international alignments. In many ways, it is the most dynamic region in the world. In this context, it is not enough for policy-makers and policy advocates to understand where the region stands today. It is also vital for us to think deeply and systematically about where the region is headed - whether the question is economic growth, environmental quality, or military conflict - even as we recognise that our ability to predict the future is limited.
This course equips students to address the challenges of policy-making in a rapidly changing region by applying key analytical tools and approaches. It will introduce students to the study of international relations, focusing on a select number of trends that are recognised as particularly important drivers of international change. In addition, it will introduce students to the concept and practice of scenario development, a technique used widely in both the private and the public sector as a means of thinking about and preparing for the future. Students will draw on both of these tools to develop scenarios that depict key aspects of the future in the Asia-Pacific region, building on course material and on their own expertise and research. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse international developments in their areas of interest and to advocate new policies based on their analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of different drivers of international change and how they shape international relations.
- Generate scenarios for some international problem or relationship in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Analyse international developments related to the scenarios that they generate.
- Distill the implications of their scenarios for a national government of their choice.
- Convey their analysis effectively through written communication.
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes (14) [LO 1]
- Focal question (1) [LO 1,5]
- Starter paper (1,000 words) (25) [LO 1,2,5]
- Final paper (4,000 words) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The workload for this 6 unit course is approximately 130 hours, including around 30 hours of contact time, approximately 30–40 hours of required reading, and the remaining time devoted to independent study, research, and assessment preparation and completion.
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Peter Schwartz, The Art of the Long View (New York: Doubleday, 1991).
Oriana Skylar Mastro, "The Taiwan Temptation: Why Beijing Might Resort to Force," Foreign Affairs (2021), 58-67.
Saori N. Katada, "The Rise of Plurilateral Trade Agreements and the Future of Trade in the Indo-Pacific," Asia Policy Vol. 20, No. 2 (2025), 61–76.
National Academies, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work (Washington: National Academies Press, 2025).
Assumed Knowledge
No prior study is required, although familiarity with international relations or public policy is beneficial.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.