This dynamic region has been leading global growth over the past few decades. Yet many challenges and obstacles remain. Some of these challenges remain despite rapid economic growth (malnutrition, poor educational quality in rural areas, poor sanitation and related health problems, government corruption, women's rights and gender inequality, etc.). Others can be viewed as “collateral damage” from rapid economic growth (air and water pollution, rising income and asset inequality, aging populations, loss of cultural traditions and knowledge, etc.). Still others involve local, national, or regional responses to global challenges, such as climate change. Some challenges are local, regional, or national, while others require international cooperation and coordination to effectively address. Major players (US, EU, Japan, China, and maybe other BRICS) impact others in the region with their policy initiatives and shifting priorities. These challenges will require innovative policy initiatives, and this class will give students experience in drafting such policies.

Students will identify and research a specific challenge. This challenge can and should have multiple dimensions (social, human security, legal, political, etc.) but MUST include an economic dimension. Relevant economic principles will be introduced in lecture and discussion format to facilitate their incorporation into student research. Historical cases such as the Asian Financial Crisis and the global recession will be discussed, but the focus of the class will be forward looking.