BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have developed a thorough and critical understanding of the main historical, political, and geopolitical dynamics that have shaped the evolution of key areas and countries in the Asian continent, with particular attention to those most involved in the ongoing reconfiguration of global power balances.
Students will be able to:
- Critically analyse Asia’s geopolitical transformations from the 20th to the 21st century, starting from the processes of decolonisation and the Cold War up to the current multipolar dynamics;
- Understand and apply the major geopolitical theories (including those of Mackinder, Spykman, Mahan, Haushofer, Brzezinski, and Huntington) to Asian contexts, and interpret contemporary events through the lens of historically developed theoretical frameworks;
- Contextualise political and institutional developments in Asia within a multilevel perspective (local, regional, global), assessing their impact on international balances;
- Acquire specialist terminology and use key concepts and tools from geopolitics and international relations appropriately;
- Develop strong analytical and interpretative skills, particularly in relation to issues such as resource competition, regional security, energy routes, ethno-religious tensions, the influence of major powers (e.g., China, Russia, the United States), and the dynamics of terrorism and instability in the region.
By the end of the course, students will therefore be able to observe and interpret the international geopolitical context with a critical, autonomous, and informed perspective, equipped with a solid theoretical-methodological foundation and analytical awareness. These competencies will be valuable both in academic research and in professional contexts such as diplomacy, journalism, strategic analysis, or work within international organisations.
Course Prerequisites
The course does not require any special prerequisites. However, a review of the major events of the 20th century is recommended. A review of the contents of a contemporary history textbook and the use of maps to facilitate understanding of geopolitical dynamics are also strongly recommended.
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be delivered through traditional in-class lectures, with particular emphasis on open discussion and direct dialogue with students. Students will be encouraged to propose topics for further exploration or debate, especially on issues they consider particularly relevant or timely
Some topics may be explored in greater depth through supplementary readings in foreign languages, including research papers, international reports, and analyses produced by reputable think tanks.
Throughout the course, thematic seminars and guest lectures will also be organised, featuring distinguished scholars and experts in history, geopolitics, diplomacy, and military institutions. These sessions will be aimed at deepening students’ understanding of specific methodologies and topics particularly relevant to the course content.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Methods
The final examination is oral and aims to assess students’ knowledge and competences through multiple evaluation criteria:
- The ability to critically analyse course content, to elaborate and discuss acquired knowledge orally, through the discussion of theoretical frameworks and case studies;
- The understanding of key national and international theoretical and methodological references, evaluated through oral discussion;
- The capacity to establish multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary connections—historical, political, economic, and social—on the main topics addressed during the course;
- Argumentative and analytical skills.
The oral exam will consist of an interview structured around three to four questions covering the entire course syllabus. The objective is to assess the student’s acquisition of core knowledge and their grasp of the main issues addressed during the course.
The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths (/30).
However, should the number of students enrolled in a given session be particularly high, the oral exam may be replaced by a written test. The written exam will consist of five open-ended questions, requiring clear exposition and an in-depth treatment of the topics addressed. Each answer will be evaluated with a maximum of 6 points (from 0 for no answer to 6 for a complete, well-articulated and detailed response). In this case as well, particular emphasis will be placed on the student’s ability to construct arguments, conduct analysis, and establish connections across different aspects of the discipline.
Contents
The course will be structured in three complementary parts.
In the first part, students will be introduced to the fundamental theoretical tools of geopolitics and international relations. After exploring and analysing the concept of geopolitics, its various definitions (including geostrategy, geoeconomics, etc.), and its role as a method for interpreting history and politics, the course will present the classical geopolitical theories that shaped the 20th century. These include continental, maritime, peninsular, aerial, and regional power paradigms, extending through the Cold War period and into the post-bipolar era. These theories are to be considered essential analytical tools for understanding and interpreting contemporary geopolitical scenarios.
The second part of the course will focus on the analysis of long-term structural factors, aimed at fostering an understanding of the historical and political evolution of Asian countries. Special attention will be devoted to four major geopolitical areas of global relevance: the Russian Federation, India, China, and the Middle East. Alongside a study of colonial and post-colonial dynamics, the course will examine key issues related to the Cold War and the more recent post-bipolar period, such as authoritarianism, political conflict, development, and modernisation.
The third part of the course will address selected contemporary political-strategic issues specific to Asia’s macro-regional and sub-continental systems. A detailed analysis will be conducted on major current challenges across Asia, highlighting the main sources of instability—whether local, regional, or global in nature—and the specific forms assumed by international conflicts in the Asian context. Emphasis will be placed on how these conflicts reflect and influence the broader evolution of the international system.
This section will include selected case studies aligned with current global events. In particular, in-depth examinations will be dedicated to the Russia–Ukraine war (with a focus on its structural causes) and the new conflict dynamics—both military and political—of the Near and Middle East (Hamas-Israel War and Israel-Iranian War).
Online Resources
More information
Throughout the course, students will be provided with historical documents (including some in their original languages), as well as videos and documentaries offering further insights into the topics covered. These materials will be made available on the online platform and are considered an important support for individual study.
For the final thesis, students may agree with the instructor on a topic related to the historical, political, social, economic, and/or geostrategic issues of one of the countries or regional/sub-regional systems discussed during the course.