This course examines the major trends and developments in Asian politics. An important theme in this course is how Asian countries respond to competing policy needs in their pursuit of growth, political order, and national unity. The course casts a wide net, and examines politics in the three major sub-regions of Asia: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The course pays special attention to issues of political economy and political culture in the region. The course also examines the Western and specifically the U.S.’s relationship with Asia.