4073v - Asia-US Relations: Critical Issues

Hybrid Course - Virtual | Registration opens 9/8/2026 10:00 AM EDT

N.A.
10/8/2026-10/29/2026
2:00 PM-3:30 PM EDT on Th
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$55.00

4073v - Asia-US Relations: Critical Issues

Hybrid Course - Virtual | Registration opens 9/8/2026 10:00 AM EDT

Amid contemporary U.S.-China rivalry, this course will assess the relevant background, status and outlook of U.S. relations with and policy toward Asia:

  1. Contemporary Asian issues involving the rise of China, the status of Taiwan, North Korean nuclear weapons development and South Korean ambitions.
  2. Japan’s future, territorial disputes along the rim of eastern and southeast Asia, and the ambitions and limitations of southeast Asian and Pacific governments.
  3. The role of India amid crises and conflicts in south Asia, and Russian motivations along with China’s influence in central Asia.
  4. A full assessment of the impact of major U.S.-led economic shifts away from globalization; the changes in American foreign policy from past emphasis on nurturing allies and partners to more assertive and disruptive transactional relationships; and regional mixed reactions to U.S. initiatives.

The instructor will share material from Asia in the Balance (see below) in each session and may include other independent reading regarding material covered in class.

Recommended Reading: Asia in the Balance: US-China Competition in a Contested Regional Order (not yet published), Robert Sutter.

  •   This is a hybrid course offered simultaneously virtually and in-person. Students registered for 4073 will attend in-person at George Mason University. Students registered for 4073v will attend virtually on Zoom.

    This course will be recorded, and registered participants will receive a link to access each recording within two business days after the session ends. The recordings will be available for viewing anytime until February 28, 2027. While the recordings are provided for convenience and to accommodate any scheduling conflicts, they are not intended to replace the benefits of attending in real time, where you can ask questions and participate in discussion
Robert Sutter

Robert Sutter earned a PhD from Harvard University and is a professor of international affairs at George Washington University. He has published 23 books dealing with U.S.-Asian relations. In his government career from 1968 to 2001, he held various positions in the Congressional Research Service, National Intelligence Council, Department of State and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the top analyst-administrator on foreign affairs at CRS and top analyst in the intelligence community on Asian affairs.