In Asia, the world's most rapidly growing region, politics and political regimes are diverse. Asia is home to stable communist regimes, there are constitutional monarchies and military-based authoritarian governments, as well as young and vibrant democracies. The region has also been marked by important political transformations where seemingly entrenched systems have been overturned, such as Indonesian’s transition to democracy or Thailand’s return to authoritarianism. How should we understand the immense political variation that characterises this critical part of the world? In this course, we leverage key concepts from comparative political science in order to examine and explain the nature of contemporary Asia's political systems and recent political transformations. The course has two main purposes: first, to introduce students to major theoretical ideas, paradigms and categories within political science; and, second, to apply these theories to the political dynamics of our region. During the course, students will hear from a range of scholars with expertise in the domestic politics and international relations of North, South, and Southeast Asia, and we will cover a range of topics, including democratisation, authoritarianism, social activism, identity politics, and regional conflict. In this way, students will emerge with broad knowledge of both politics as a discipline and political developments within Asia.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand key concepts and theories in comparative political science;
2. Understand the major characteristics of Asia's political systems, especially North, South and Southeast Asia; 
3. Analyse and explain developments in Asian politics, drawing on political science approaches and concepts studied in the course;
4. Conduct independent research and demonstrate skills in identifying and critically engaging with appropriate sources; and
5. Communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms on political issues in Asia.

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws on the combined expertise of academics across the College of Asia and the Pacific. The convenors and lecturers of the course have studied and researched politics in Asia for decades. All guest lecturers have been selected because their research interests make them specialists in the particular field covered by the lecture topic.

Field Trips

None required

Additional Course Costs

None.

Examination Material or equipment

The examination will be in the form of a take-home exam. Normal access to online and other resources is allowed.

Required Resources

Since some elements of this course may be delivered online, a stable internet connection is recommended. However, students in online tutorials without such a stable connection are given the opportunity to submit written commentaries on the class readings in order to substitute for direct contributions in class.

Required and recommended readings will be available on Canvas so there is no textbook required. The instructor reserves the right to make substitutions in the reading assignments, as appropriate. There may be additional selections to augment the readings for certain sessions.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	KEY CONCEPTS IN THE STUDY OF ASIAN POLITICSThe first lecture provides an overview of the course’s content, as well as providing important information about course administration and assessment.	There are no tutorials in this week.
2	UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL REGIMESAsia is home to a wide variety of political systems, from liberal democracies to communist systems, military dictatorships and absolute monarchies. This lecture explains the concept of political regimes and how scholars have developed ways of categorising them. We also discuss the challenges that arise when these academic concepts collide with the complex ways in which ordinary citizens themselves understand ideas like ‘democracy’ and ‘dictatorship’.	Tutorials begin. Tutorial participation is marked at the end of the course and counts for 10% of students' final grade.
3	DEMOCRATISATION AND AUTOCRATISATIONAsia's political systems are seldom static. Democracies can turn into authoritarian regimes, or vice versa, and other forms of political or social transitions can transform political systems. This lecture explores the factors that can trigger regime transitions and discusses why some political systems in Asia are more resistant to change than others.
4	DEVELOPMENT, MODERNISATION AND 'ASIAN VALUES'No region has been more important in informing debate about democracy's relationship to economic development than Asia. This lecture introduces students to the basics of 'modernisation theory' and how it stacks up against Asia's realities. We also assess the 'Asian values' debate, taking a critical look at how governments have invoked culture-based justifications for authoritarianism as sociopolitical changes brought on by economic development created new pressures for political reform.
5	CLEAVAGES AND PARTY SYSTEMSIn the West most of us understand our political beliefs, and those of the parties we vote for, as lying somewhere on a spectrum from ‘left’ to ‘right’. But in most Asian democracies, such labels are often not very useful in understanding the kinds of ideas and conflicts that underlie political competition. This lecture explores why this is so, introducing the concept of social and political cleavages, and explaining how they interact with the design of political institutions, historical legacies, and economic change to produce distinct party systems.
6	INSIDE ASIAN AUTHORITARIANISMThere are many more ways of 'doing authoritarianism' than 'doing democracy'. In Asia, the institutional forms of non-democratic regimes run the gamut of communist party-states, absolute monarchy, to so-called 'competitive authoritarian' regimes that have the trappings of democracy without its substance. This lecture introduces students to some key theories that help us understand the logic of authoritarian rule and why some authoritarian regimes are more durable than others.
7	CLIENTELISM AND CORRUPTIONNot all politics in Asia happens ‘by the book’. Patronage, clientelism, patrimonialism and money may all subvert formal rules and institutions but nonetheless have a profound impact on how politics works in practice. This lecture unpacks the concepts of patronage and clientelism, using cases from Southeast Asia to illustrate how these phenomena can fuel corruption and shape the relationship between citizens and political elites in ways that diverge from liberal-democratic ideals.
8	GEOPOLITICS AND DOMESTIC POLITICAL REGIMES (GUEST LECTURE)This lecture introduces students to the interrelationships between international and domestic politics, with a special focus on the legacies of the Cold War in shaping the political landscape of contemporary Asia. We also look to theories of 'authoritarian diffusion' to consider whether the rise of an increasingly authoritarian China as Asia's dominant economic and military power may be accelerating illiberal trends in the region.
9	WOMEN IN ASIAN POLITICS (GUEST LECTURE)Women have often been excluded from formal political participation in Asia and globally, yet the region has also been home to highly influential female leaders over recent decades. In this lecture we explore the role that women play in formal and informal political processes, how the experience of politics is gendered, and the contribution of feminist scholarship to understanding political science.
10	ASIA'S HISTORY AS POLITICS (GUEST LECTURE)A nation's past is not separate from its contemporary politics. Historical events—and their interpretation—can express and influence how a nation views itself, and they also shape the contemporary relations between countries. In this lecture we explore the importance of historical perceptions and symbols in Japan, and how they have created tensions both within Japan and in its relations with neighbouring countries, such as Korea.
11	ETHNIC POLITICS IN ASIA (GUEST LECTURE)Ethnicity, like race and nation, is a slippery and often problematic concept. Yet ethnic identities clearly play an important role in Asian politics. Political parties frequently mobilise voters with promises to serve the interests of particular ethnic groups. States, too, are often deeply implicated in defining and policing the boundaries of ethnicity, either in opposition to or in concert with social movements claiming to represent ethnic communities in their struggle for recognition and equal or privileged treatment—or even for a separate state of their own.This lecture brings ideas about race and ethnicity from beyond the region into conversation with it, discussing how and when ethnicity, and the related concepts of race and nation, have come to play very different but nonetheless ubiquitous roles across the countries of Asia, and what the consequences of this are for how societies are governed.
12	REFLECTIONS AND EXAM REVISIONThis lecture will focus on recapping the major themes of the course and offering guidance on the take home exam, but it will also be an opportunity for a speculative discussion about issues that could shape Asia’s political systems in the future. This could include, among other things: the role that the ubiquity of social media as a source of (mis)information could have on social cohesion and democratic citizenship; the potential for new technologies of surveillance and social control to entrench authoritarianism; and the political implications of climate change in Asia.

Tutorial Registration

Tutorial registration is via MyTimetable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
TUTORIAL PARTICIPATION (10%)	10 %	*	*	1, 2, 3
SHORT ESSAY (25%)	25 %	16/03/2026	29/03/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
RESEARCH ESSAY (40%)	40 %	04/05/2025	18/05/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
TAKE HOME EXAM (25%)	25 %	08/06/2025	15/06/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

See Assessment 1.

Examination(s)

See Assessment 4.

Assessment Task 1

TUTORIAL PARTICIPATION (10%)

You will be assessed on your tutorial participation. Tutorials will provide opportunities for students to discuss the readings together in groups, and work through questions as a class. The assessment is primarily based on the quality of your contributions in class (and therefore, not simply on the frequency of your contributions and/or attendance.) After each tutorial, you will receive a mark. Absence is marked as zero, unless documentation on justifiable absence is provided. At the end of the semester, the average of your eight best marks achieved throughout the semester will be your total mark for tutorial participation.

In order to prepare for the tutorials, it is essential that you have read the required reading and attended/listened to the lecture of that week. The better you are prepared through reflecting on these materials (and, optionally, additional material you researched yourself), the more effectively you will be able to engage in class, and the better your mark will be.

Assessment Task 2

SHORT ESSAY (25%)

The first written assessment required for the course is a short paper on a topic to be released early in the semester. The essay should be 1000 words, not including references, and will test your understanding of the basic concepts about political regimes and regime changes we learn about in the first few weeks of the course, and your ability to apply them to analyse the politics of major Asian countries.

The structure of the essay is very important. You need to properly introduce the topic and indicate the line of argumentation that you will be taking. The middle of the essay is for providing background or contextual information that you feel is relevant and, most importantly, supporting data for your argument(s). The essay should end with a (very brief) conclusion which reflects back on your text and its analytical content.

The essay should have references acknowledging where you have obtained key pieces of information from. In-text or Harvard-style references are best in a short format such as this, with a short list of references at the end of the essay. But you are generally free to choose any widely accepted citation style. 

Please keep in mind that this writing exercise is worth 25% of the total mark, so you should allocate a proportional amount of time to completing this (in other words, don't overthink it, but also take it seriously enough). The assignment will give us a sense of your writing and allow us to provide you with feedback prior to you preparing your main research essay.

The assignment is due on 16 March at 11:55pm. Submission is via Turnitin.

Assessment Task 3

RESEARCH ESSAY (40%)

The key assignment in this course is the research essay. The word limit for this essay is 2000 words. You are free to write on any subject you like that falls within the parameters of politics in the Asia Pacific in consultation with your course convenor, but suggested topics will be posted on Canvas early in semester. This open task gives you the chance to pursue your own interests and define your future profile as a student and a professional. We will talk more about this task in the tutorials, and are happy to set up individual consultations to discuss specific questions. Please also refer to the Essay Writing Guide placed on this Canvas site.

The Research Paper constitutes 40% of the total mark. It is due on 4 May at 11:55pm via Turnitin.

Assessment Task 4

TAKE HOME EXAM (25%)

A take home exam will be posted on Canvas in the last week of the semester, and must be returned no later than 8 June at 11.55pm. The Take Home Exam constitutes 25% of the total mark. The word limit, excluding references, is 1000 words. Submission is via Turnitin.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day.
• Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments (with the exception of the take-home exams) will be returned as hard copies with written commentary in text and a separate comment sheet. The time in which the assignment will be returned varies and is based on the length of the assignment. Please refer to the items in the assessment summary for detailed return times.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Re-submission of assignments after the deadline is only permitted after consultation with the course convener and if the previously submitted version suffered from a technical problem. Before the deadline, students are free to replace their previous submissions at any time.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students