Asian Political Thought
Couse Description
This course explores the rich and diverse traditions of political thought in Asia, tracing their
philosophical, cultural, and historical roots. It examines major political ideas, systems, and
thinkers from South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, and evaluates their relevance to
contemporary governance, political reform, and global political discourse.
Through primary texts, critical discussions, and comparative analysis, students will understand
how Asian political philosophies—such as Confucianism, Legalism, Hindu political theory,
Buddhist governance, Islamic political thought, and nationalist movements—have shaped
political institutions and cultural identities across the region.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify and explain the major concepts and traditions in Asian political thought.
2. Analyze key political writings and ideas in their historical and cultural contexts.
3. Compare and contrast political thought across Asian regions.
4. Evaluate the contemporary relevance of classical Asian political theories.
5. Develop critical perspectives on the interaction between Asian traditions and modern
political ideologies.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of influential Asian political philosophers and their works.
Critically assess the impact of traditional political ideas on modern Asian politics.
Apply Asian political concepts to contemporary policy or governance challenges.
Course Outline (Weekly Schedule)
Activities /
Week Topic Key Readings / Thinkers
Assessment
1 Introduction to Asian Overview of regions, civilizations, Lecture, discussion
Activities /
Week Topic Key Readings / Thinkers
Assessment
Political Thought and political traditions
Ancient Indian Political Arthashastra (Kautilya/Chanakya),
2 Text analysis
Philosophy Dharma, Rajadharma
Manusmriti, caste system, king’s
3 Hindu Political Thought Short essay
duties
Ashoka’s Edicts, concept of Dharma
4 Buddhist Political Thought Group presentation
Raja
Islamic Political Thought in Al-Farabi, Al-Mawardi, political Comparative
5
Asia Islam in South & Southeast Asia discussion
Ancient Chinese Political Debate: Confucianism
6 Confucius, Mencius, Analects
Thought – Confucianism & meritocracy
Ancient Chinese Political
7 Thought – Legalism & Han Feizi, Laozi (Tao Te Ching) Reflection paper
Daoism
East Asian Political Influence of Confucianism in Korea,
8 Documentary analysis
Traditions Japan, Vietnam
Southeast Asian Political Mandala model, indigenous
9 Case study
Systems governance
10 Modern Reformers in Asia Sun Yat-sen, Mahatma Gandhi Reading & analysis
Anti-Colonial & Nationalist
11 Ho Chi Minh, Sukarno, Nehru Reaction paper
Thought
Marxism & Socialism in
12 Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping Class debate
Asia
Lee Kuan Yew’s “Asian Values,”
13 Asian Democracy Models Position paper
Islamic democracy
Contemporary Political Globalization, authoritarianism,
14 Policy analysis
Challenges in Asia human rights
Final synthesis
15 Comparative Perspectives Asia vs. Western political traditions
discussion
Application of concepts to current Final oral & written
16 Final Presentations & Exam
issues exam
Assessment Scheme
Class Participation & Attendance – 10%
Short Essays / Reflection Papers – 20%
Group Presentations – 15%
Midterm Exam – 20%
Final Project & Presentation – 25%
Final Exam – 10%
Suggested Readings
Kautilya. Arthashastra.
Confucius. Analects.
Laozi. Tao Te Ching.
Mencius. Book of Mencius.
Ashoka’s Edicts.
Sun Yat-sen. Three Principles of the People.
Mahatma Gandhi. Hind Swaraj.
Ho Chi Minh. Prison Diaries.
Lee Kuan Yew. From Third World to First.
