Polit­ics and Busi­ness in Asia

Course content

This course explores the complex and evolving relationship between political institutions, economic development, and business practices across key Asian economies. Focusing on countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, and nations in Southeast Asia, the course examines how political ideologies, state policies, governance structures, and regional cooperation shape business environments and economic strategies.

Key topics include state capitalism, authoritarianism and democracy, corruption and regulatory frameworks, foreign direct investment, and the influence of domestic and multinational corporations. Through comparative analysis and in-depth case studies, students will gain insight into the reciprocal influence between political decision-making and business activity—how politics shape markets, and how businesses can, in turn, shape political outcomes.

The course features guest lectures and co-teaching by regional experts, and emphasizes applied learning through project-based case analysis. Students will apply theoretical frameworks to real-world issues, enhancing their ability to assess strategic risks and opportunities in diverse political and economic contexts.

• Precourse activity: A small assignment
• Session 1: Introduction to Asian Political Economy
• Session 2: Developmental States and State Capitalism in Asia
• Session 3: China’s Political Economy and Business Environment
• Session 4: Japanese Postwar Capitalism and Corporate Governance
• Session 5: South Korea’s Political Economy: Chaebols and State-business Relations
• Session 6: Southeast Asia’s Political Economy: Diversity and Challenges
• Session 7: Crony Capitalism, Corruption, and Reform Efforts
• Session 8: Digital Economies and Innovation in Asia
• Session 9: Regional Geopolitics
• Session 10: Future Challenges: Demographics, Technology, and Globalization