This Course is designed to explore the dynamics and development of Japan-China bilateral relationship within North East Asian arena and within the international system, at the opening of the 21st Century.

In order to achieve this goal, emphasis will be given to the study and understanding of the development of the different domestic political, economical and security factors in the two countries and the way these interrelated, mostly since the end of the Cold war to the present. The following topics and issues will be discussed during the semester, among others: What is the nature of the regional trade regime? Is regional economic integration taking place in North East Asia despite national-historical rivalry? How the increased competition over international energy resources impacts Japan-China trade relationship?

What is the nature of the current military balance of power between China on the one hand and the US and Japan on the other? What are the security and economic challenges posed by North Korea to the region? Is the nuclear factor still impacting North East Asian balance of power in an era of economic interdependence? To what extent regimes’ political differences between People’s Republic of China, a socialist republic run by a single party, the Communist Party of China, and Japan’s parliamentarian democracy affects the countries’ relationship?