ARAB 359
The American/Asian/European Triad: Globalization, Crisis, and New World Orders Spring 2025
Division I Q Quantitative/Formal Reasoning D Difference, Power, and Equity
Cross-listed GBST 359 / AMST 359 / ASIA 359

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the economic and geopolitical links between Asia, Europe, and the United States, collectively forming what we term the “American/Asian/European Triad”. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will analyze how globalization and its crises along with the evolving power dynamics within this triad are shaping contemporary global affairs and the emergence of new world orders.The course begins with an exploration of the foundational economic and geopolitical connections between Asia, Europe, and the U.S. We will examine historical contexts and key events that underpin these connections, thereby setting the stage for a deeper analysis of this Triad. A significant portion of the course will focus on the impact of the global financial crisis in the late 2000s on these regions. We will analyze how this crisis reshaped economic interdependencies and power dynamics within the triad and globally, considering both immediate effects and long-term implications. Geopolitically, we will delve into unfolding competitions, strategic tensions, and evolving alliances among the triad nations. Case studies and current events will illustrate the complex dynamics influencing global governance and the balance of power. Specific topics include the economic rivalry between Europe, the U.S., and China for the control of African resources, providing insights into how these interactions shape regional and international relations. We will also explore the impact of these global interactions on democratic institutions in the U.S. and Europe, with a particular focus on countries like France, the UK, Italy, and Germany to illustrate the challenge for the EU to integrate very different economies This analysis will highlight challenges and opportunities for democratic governance amidst global economic and political pressures. In the context of Asia, we will focus on the interplay between China and the U.S., examining its implications for Chinese domestic policies and regional dynamics in East Asia. Special attention will be given to regions such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, where geopolitical tensions have significant implications for global stability. Finally, the course will reflect on how China’s economic ascendancy is reengineering the global oil economy and reshaping geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. This discussion will underscore broader implications for reconfiguring post-colonial dependencies. Through this course, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between economic interdependence and geopolitical competition within the American/Asian/European Triad. By examining real-world case studies and current events, they will develop the analytical skills and insights necessary to navigate and contribute to discussions on global democracy and the future of world orders.