NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 地緣政治與歐亞研究專題(6086)
(Eng.) Special Topic on Geopolitics and Eurasia Studies
Offering Dept Graduate Institute of International Politics
Course Type Elective Credits 3 Teacher YANG SAN YI ect.
Department Transcontinental International Master Program/Graduate Language English Semester 2026-SPRING
Course Description This course aims to provide students with a systematic understanding of geopolitical competition across the Eurasian continent. It examines the formation, evolution, and transformation of regional power configurations through the dual lenses of great power rivalry and the strategic choices of small and medium-sized states. As the largest landmass and the most populous region in the world, Eurasia has long been the central arena of global power politics. Consequently, analyzing shifts in power relations across Eurasia is essential for comprehending broader changes in the international system and the contemporary global order.

The course adopts a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from geopolitics, international security, and regional studies. Through historical analysis and contemporary case studies, students will explore how geopolitical competition unfolds in different sub-regions of Eurasia and how interactions among major powers and regional actors shape patterns of cooperation, conflict, and security governance.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
The primary objectives of this course include:

To analyze the geopolitical structure of the European continent, with particular attention to regional security dynamics, alliance systems, and the impact of major power competition on European stability.

To examine the geopolitical landscape of the Asian continent, focusing on regional security architectures, power transitions, and the strategic interactions among major powers and regional actors.

To assess the geopolitical and security relations between the Eurasian continent and its neighboring regions, highlighting cross-regional linkages, strategic spillover effects, and their implications for regional and global security.
topic Discussion/Production
Discussion
Lecturing
Written Presentation
Attendance
Oral Presentation
Study Outcome
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 An Introduction to the Course
Week 2 The End of World War II and the Cold War in Europe
Week 3 The End of the Cold War and European Integration
Week 4 Post–Cold War Developments and Challenges in European Union Integration
Week 5 The European Union and Asia: The Indo-Pacific Strategy and Beyond
Week 6 The Russia–Ukraine War and Its Implications
Week 7 The Return of Great Power Rivalry: Offshore Balancing and the Realignment of Euro-Asian Strategy
Week 8 The Weaponization of Geoeconomics and the Securitization of Euro-Asian Supply Chains
Week 9 AI and the Shifting Offense-Defense Balance: Technological Disruption and Instability in Euro-Asia
Week 10 The Geopolitics of the Energy Transition: Decarbonization as a Zero-Sum Game in Euro-Asia
Week 11 Brinkmanship in Euro-Asia and Beyond: Sovereignty Contestation, Grey-Zone Conflict, and the Tragedy of Future
Week 12 The Great Game and New Great Game
Week 13 Belt and Road Initiative: Silk Road and New Silk Road
Week 14 Political and Economic Development in Central Asia: Kazahkstan and Uzbekistan
Week 15 Political and Economic Development in the Caucasus: Armenia and Azerbaijan
Week 16 The Political and Economic Development of Russia
self-directed
learning
   01.Participation in professional forums, lectures, and corporate sharing sessions related to industry-government-academia-research exchange activities.
   02.Viewing multimedia materials related to industry and academia.
   03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.

Evaluation
This course is jointly taught by three instructors, each of whom is responsible for a specific thematic component of the course. Students are expected to comply with the course policies, academic standards, and instructional requirements established by each instructor throughout the semester. Active engagement in class discussions, seminars, and related learning activities is strongly encouraged, as meaningful participation constitutes an essential part of the learning process.

Student assessment will be based on two components: class participation (50%) and a final written assignment (50%). Upon the completion of each instructor’s teaching segment, all enrolled students are required to submit a written report of no more than 1,000 words. These reports collectively constitute the final paper requirement and are intended to evaluate students’ understanding of the course materials, their analytical abilities, and their capacity to synthesize theoretical and empirical insights presented during the course.
Textbook & other References
Course materials, including required readings and supplementary resources, will be distributed by each instructor during their respective first class sessions. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings in advance and to familiarize themselves with the course content in a timely manner.
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
For further details regarding course expectations, office hours, and additional academic resources, students should consult the instructors’ respective webpages.
Office Hours
Students are also advised to contact the instructors in advance to arrange consultation or meeting times, should they require academic guidance, clarification of course content, or discussion of their written assignments.
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL)
include experience courses:N
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please respect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day:2026/01/16 11:19:20 Printed Date, year/month/day:2026 / 3 / 10
The second-hand book website:http://www.myub.com.tw/