Course profile

Policy Challenges of Asia-Pacific Security (POLS3206)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Politic Sc & Internat Studies

The course considers the main security challenges in the Asia-Pacific - military & non-traditional - focusing on major debates over policy responses to them. The Asia-Pacific is the world's most economically dynamic region. It is also one of the world's worst hot-spots for a host of security problems: the rise of China is challenging American primacy in the Asia-Pacific, a key fixture since the end of World War II; on the Korean Peninsula, the threat of nuclear war is very real; and the region's rapacious and rapid economic development has generated or exacerbated a wide range of non-traditional security problems, such as pandemics, climate change and environmental degradation. This course considers the main security challenges in the Asia-Pacific - both military and non-traditional - focusing on major debates over policy responses to them. It seeks to equip students with the capacities to analyse security problems in the region and provide relevant policy advice.

The course considers the main security challenges in the Asia-Pacific - military & non-traditional - focusing on major debates over policy responses to them. The Asia-Pacific is the world’s most economically dynamic region. It is also one of the world’s worst hot-spots for a host of security problems: the rise of China is challenging American primacy in the Asia-Pacific, a key fixture since the end of World War II; on the Korean Peninsula, the threat of nuclear war is very real; and the region’s rapacious and rapid economic development has generated or exacerbated a wide range of non-traditional security problems, such as food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation. This course seeks to equip students with the capacities to analyse security problems in the region and provide relevant policy advice.

The course will include a combination of lectures and seminars to provide students with keen insight into key policy debates and the challenges of policy formulation. It also incorporates completion of the UQ edX Edge Online Module: Professional Writing for Government into the seminar programme, developed by Dr Prue Brown. This self-paced online module is designed to support students with their Policy Writing Brief assessment. The course is ideal for students who are seeking to gain employment in the government and NGO sector, where report and policy brief/recommendation writing is a highly desirable skill.

Course requirements

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

POLS2204, POLS2209

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

POLS2206

Course contact

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Melissa Curley

Associate Professor in International Relations. Her research and teaching interests include Southeast Asian politics and international relations, civil society under authoritarian states, Cambodian politics and post-conflict reconstruction, and non-traditional security in East Asia (including trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, pandemic disease and child protection issues). She has published in internationally peer reviewed journals including: Review of International Studies, The Journal of Law and Society, Australian Journal of Human Rights, and Australian Journal of International Affairs, amongst others. Her most recent book is Migration and Security in Asia (Routledge 2008) with S.L. Wong. Before joining the School in January 2006, Dr. Curley was a researcher in the China-ASEAN project at the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong, where she also coordinated a consultancy project on Southeast Asian affairs for the Hong Kong Government's Central Policy Unit. She holds a Ph.D in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University in the UK, and BA(Hons) in Government from UQ.

In 2015, Dr Curley joined the Executive Advisory Board of Bravehearts, an Australian not-for profit organisation that aims to educate, empower and protect Australian children from sexual assault, and in 2016 was made a Paul Harris Fellow, in recognition of her services to The Rotary Foundation. In 2020 she gained Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy (UK)

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Lectures

This course comprises 11 lectures (approximately one hour each) starting in Week 1. Lectures will be recorded. These are currently timetabled for Wednesday at 1pm in 01-E302 - Forgan Smith Building East Wing. Please check for any changes.

Seminars

This course also comprises 9 x 2-hour face-to face seminars on Wednesdays 4am -6pm starting in Week 1 in 32-215 - Gordon Greenwood Building, Collaborative Room. Please check the timetable as seminars do not occur every week.

The seminars are run in workshop style and involve interactive group work. The programme includes two specialist Policy Writing Workshops facilitated by Dr Prudence Brown.

The seminars/workshops are not recorded and students should attend as they are directly related to supporting the Policy Brief Writing assessment, as well as two other checkpoint tutorials and the in-semester exam.

Aims and outcomes

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to introduce participants to advanced levels of political and policy analysis in the field of Asia-Pacific security. Having successfully completed the course, participants will have learnt to negotiate the analysis of evidence, arguments, and prescriptions from inter- and trans-disciplinary sources for the purpose of producing convincing, integrated analyses of contemporary problems and issues in Asia Pacific security and associated policy challenges.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Critically analyse learning materials, interrogating their assumptions and limitations, and how they can be incorporated into policy relevant outputs.

LO2.

Apply methods and theories of security and international relations to understand and/or examine contemporary issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

LO3.

Examine contemporary security issues in the Asia Pacific region, research and analyse diverse scholarly and policy relevant materials, and develop innovative written analyses and solutions to those issues.

LO4.

Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the cultural context in which course materials and disciplinary debates take place, and awareness of alternative (Indigenous and regional) perspectives that exist in the Asia-Pacific policy community.

LO5.

Wield intellectual tools and skills that will make you more competitive in your future professional activities in a variety of fields and positions, including the ethical use of AI tools where appropriate.

LO6.

Understand, and apply, the norms of policy writing and academic conduct.

Course overview
Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection Course Engagement and Completion of Online module
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
 30%

28/07/2025 - 27/10/2025

Seminar Checkpoint Reflections dates: First one is to be submitted by Friday 29th August 2pm and the second one on Friday 17th October, 2pm.

Final date for completion of this Module to obtain the 10% is Tuesday 7th October 2025.

If a medical or other circumstance means you are unable to complete the online module by the due date, please contact the Course Coordinator directly to discuss before the deadline.
Examination In-Semester Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
 30%

In-semester Saturday

6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
Essay/ Critique, Reflection Policy Research Report and Brief (4000) words
  • Online
 40%

24/10/2025 2:00 pm

To be Submitted via TURNITIN via the POLS3206 Blackboard site.

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Course Engagement and Completion of Online module

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
Weight
30%
Due date

28/07/2025 - 27/10/2025

Seminar Checkpoint Reflections dates: First one is to be submitted by Friday 29th August 2pm and the second one on Friday 17th October, 2pm.

Final date for completion of this Module to obtain the 10% is Tuesday 7th October 2025.

If a medical or other circumstance means you are unable to complete the online module by the due date, please contact the Course Coordinator directly to discuss before the deadline.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students are expected to participate in seminar/workshop discussions and come prepared having done all the required readings and preparation activities for the tasks outlined in the course instance for each week.

20% of marks will be allocated to two 'Seminar Checkpoint Reflections' (800 words each) - the first one is to be submitted by Friday 29th August 2pm and the second one on Friday 17th October, 2pm Further details are provided on the POLS3206 Blackboard site.

Queries on the above, should be directed to Course Coordinator, Dr Melissa Curley in the first instance at m.curley@uq.edu.au

10% participation marks will be allocated for the completion of the UQ EdEX Online Module: Professional Writing for Government. Final date for completion of this Module to obtain the 10% is Tuesday 7th October 2025.

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Hurdle requirement: completion of online module on policy writing. (Students cannot receive more than 50% for the two tutorial checkpoint reflections if they don’t complete the online module).

Submission guidelines

The online module submission link and information will be detailed in Blackboard.

The Seminar Checkpoint Reflections will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

No extensions will be allowed for the completion of the UQ EdEX Online Module.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

In-Semester Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

In-semester Saturday

6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Mid-Semester Exam: (30%) 30 marks, 1.5 hours

Students will complete an in-semester exam (mid-semester) to be scheduled by Central Examinations.

Part A (Asia-Pacific security content - 15 marks) and Part B (Policy Writing content - 15 marks).

The assessment will examine Asia Pacific security policy content completed thus far as well as principles of policy writing skills and tools delivered in the First Writing Workshop.

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted
Open/closed book Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Policy Research Report and Brief (4000) words

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique, Reflection
Weight
40%
Due date

24/10/2025 2:00 pm

To be Submitted via TURNITIN via the POLS3206 Blackboard site.

Other conditions
Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Students will write a 4000-word Policy Research Report and Brief (policy recommendations) on a contemporary Asia Pacific security policy challenge. This will be from a list of choices provided by the course coordinator. 

Students will be allowed to use Generative AI in this assessment and will complete a Reflection Worksheet to identify which tools where used and how useful the students found them to assist in the task's completion, and what other research was conducted to complement AI research. Students will be appraised of the need to be able to use AI ethically, but also be able to work independently in ‘locked down’ environments where AI may not be permitted (such as high security government workplaces).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submission:

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 1-19%
2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 20-44%
3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 45-49%
4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 50-64%
5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 65-74%
6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 75-84%
7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is assigned for marks between 85-100%

Additional course grading information

Grades will be awarded on the following basis:

1. Fail 1 - 19%

2. Fail 20 - 44%

3. Fail 45 - 49%

4. Pass 50 - 64 %

5. Credit 65 - 74 %

6. Distinction 75 - 84 %

7. High Distinction 85 - 100 %

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Word Length Penalty

Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. For example, if your essay is 1,500 words, you may write up to 1,650 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade. Unless specified, penalties only apply to exceeding the word length, not for failure to write a sufficient amount.

Students should note:

• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;

• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

Aims and outcomes
Learning resources

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Essay Guide

The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.

The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments. 

Essay Writing Assistance

The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.

There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.

The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.

Student Services

Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.

Library Resources

UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.

The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.

There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.

Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au

Book a Librarian Appointment (BEL/HASS faculties)

Assessment
Learning activities

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(28 Jul - 03 Aug)
Lecture

Week 1: Course Introduction

In the first week we will introduce the major themes of the course and provide an overview of the assessment and the self-paced UQ edX Learning Module: Professional Writing for Government. We introduce major debates relating to security in the Asia-Pacific and how the course approaches them as interconnected challenges. We briefly discuss varied terminology to refer to the region and their different political connotations: Asia-Pacific, Indo-Pacific, Pacific Rim etc.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03
Seminar

Week 1 (Seminar 1): Introduction to Course and Assessment

Dr Curley will facilitate some ice-breaking exercises for students to get to know each other and think about some of the main security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific Region. All assessment in the course will be discussed in detail, including the seminar-based activities, Writing Workshops with Dr Prudence Brown, and the in-Semester exam. Ethical use of AI in the major assessment - Policy Brief - will be highlighted.
Week 2

(04 Aug - 10 Aug)
Lecture

Week 2: Role of the US in the Asia-Pacific

In this lecture, we consider the pivotal significance of the US' engagement in the region. The origins, function, evolution, and prospects of the US 'hub and spokes' system of regional alliances forms a core focus of this lecture. New policy platforms from the first 6 months of the Trump 2.0 Administration and the potential implications for region order are canvassed.


Learning outcomes: L01, L02
Seminar

Week 2 (Seminar 2) : Policy Writing Workshop 1

In this first Writing Workshop, Dr Prudence Brown, will introduce the core features of the self-paced online EdX Course, Professional Writing for Government, and outline strategies to work your way through the material. Please ensure you have completed the first three components, including and up to the 'Writing a Policy Brief' section. We also introduce and discuss the Policy Brief Assessment project and topics you can choose from. The session will involve group work and interactive exercises to help you start thinking about the differences between academic writing and professional writing for government and policy environments. The workshops are linked closely to Policy Brief assessment preparation. Workshops/seminars are interactive and NOT recorded and are central to developing writing skills for your policy brief. Powerpoints used during the tutorials will be provided on Blackboard.

Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L06
Week 3

(11 Aug - 17 Aug)
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Week 3: Ekka Public Holiday - No Lecture.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Week 3: Ekka Public Holiday - No Seminar

Learning outcomes: L01, L02
Week 4

(18 Aug - 24 Aug)
Lecture

Week 4: The People's Republic of China (PRC)

This lecture examines the major foreign policy goals and policies of the PRC, focussing on the period after Xi Jinping becomes President in 2013. We discuss contemporary US-China relations and relate dynamics to major security issues in the region including: Taiwan, North Korea, maritime disputes with Japan and states in Southeast Asia, as a backdrop for discussions in Tutorial 3: Contemporary Challenges to the Hubs and Spokes System in Asia-Pacific.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Seminar

Week 4 (Seminar 3): Contemporary Challenges to the Hubs and Spokes System in Asia-Pacific

This seminar focusses on understanding the historical context of the US-centric 'Hubs and Spokes' system of alliances (or San Fransisco Alliance System) and its ongoing utility in contemporary Asia-Pacific security dynamics. We review the systems' role and relevance in Japanese and South Korean defence and security polities, as well as Maritime disputes in the South China Sea with the Philippines. How does China perceive the US role in the region?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 5

(25 Aug - 31 Aug)
Lecture

WEEK 5: Japan in the Asia-Pacific Order

This lecture considers Japan's evolving contemporary security posture, taking into account its relations with major powers of Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific, such as the U.S., China, North Korea and South Korea, and Russia. It evaluates how Japan's security posture changed in the Cold War and the post-Cold War eras and examines various relevant concepts, such as the Yoshida Doctrine, comprehensive security and human security. We will discuss the role of the U.S.-Japan alliance, Japan's most recent 2014/2015 reinterpretation of the constitution and the concept of Collective Self-Defence. Japan's 2022 National Security Strategy and Defence policy positions are also briefly noted prior to activities for Tutorial 4.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Seminar

Week 5 (Seminar 4): Japan's Security and Defence Policy

In this seminar, we will discuss the evolution of Japan's security and defence policy in the Asia-Pacific post 1989. In particular we explore recent security policy changes including 2022 National Security Strategy and Defence policy positions and initial Japan-US relations under Trump 2.0 administration.

The first 'Seminar Checkpoint Reflection' assessment (10%) is due after this tutorial on Friday 29th August 2pm

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 6

(01 Sep - 07 Sep)
Lecture

Week 6: The North Korean Nuclear Issue

This lecture will focus on some of the key issues surrounding nuclear proliferation in the region paying special attention to North Korea. What accounts for North Korea's persistent drive to acquire nuclear weapons? Is North Korea a security seeker, or are its motives for acquiring nuclear weapons more belligerent in nature? Why have regional actors been so consistently frustrated in their efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Seminar

Week 6 (Seminar 5): Security on the Korean Peninsula

In the seminar, we will discuss both the traditional and human security challenges raised by the Kim Jung-Un led regime in North Korea. We explore different policy alternatives and future scenarios, particularly if CVID (complete, verifiable, irreversible, de-nuclearisation) remains is a viable policy anymore. Will the Kim regime ever give up its nuclear weapons programme? What are the options available to regional policy makers to manage a nuclear North Korea in the future?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 7

(08 Sep - 14 Sep)
Lecture

Week 7: Policy Challenges of NTS

While the Asia-Pacific has largely avoided military confrontation since the late 1970s, the region appears beset by a wide range of 'non-traditional' security issues - environmental degradation and climate change, infectious disease, transnational terrorism and organised crime, to name but a few. These problems have risen to the top of states' and multilateral organisations' security agendas, but are seen to pose distinct policy challenges. In particular, they are seen as requiring close international cooperation, even cross-border harmonisation, as they are beyond the capacity of individual states to resolve. But regional states are seen as attached to a traditional conception of national sovereignty, undermining cooperation.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 8

(15 Sep - 21 Sep)
Lecture

Week 8: ASEAN as a Regional Security Actor

The countries of Southeast Asia have progressed far further than their North Asian or South Asian counterparts in constructing durable regional security institutions. This lecture explores the origins and evolution of ASEAN, before critically evaluating the significance of regional security institutions in helping to maintain regional order. In what ways, if any, has ASEAN contributed to regional stability, and can it successfully adapt to the non-traditional security threats now confronting SE Asia? The concept of ASEAN Centrality in contemporary security debates are canvassed as a backdrop for Tutorial Workshops 5 and 7 on the South China Sea and Food Security respectively.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Seminar

Week 8 (Seminar 6): Case Study - South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea is often seen as one of Asia's worst hotspots, where war, including between the great powers, is a realistic prospect. In this seminar we will examine possible scenarios in the SCS and discuss ways of navigating the conflict, including (1) ASEAN and its utility in conflict mitigation and resolution and (2) utility of US alliances in the region, amongst others.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 9

(22 Sep - 28 Sep)
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Week 9: No Lecture. Reading and Writing Week
Mid Sem break

(29 Sep - 05 Oct)
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

MID-SEMESTER BREAK
Week 10

(06 Oct - 12 Oct)
Lecture

Week 10: Ethical use of AI in Research and Policy Writing.

Ethical use of AI in Research and Policy Writing. Policy Brief Assessment Check in - a chance for students to ask questions and hear about best practice in the ethical use of AI in research and policy settings.

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06
Seminar

Week 10 (Seminar 7): Policy Brief Workshop 2

In this second Writing Workshop, Dr Brown will work with students to help them move towards finalising their Policy Research Report and Brief. Dr. Brown reviews key tips and tricks to fine tune your major assessment. By this week, you should have finished the UQ edX Course on Professional Writing for Government, and you MUST bring a draft of your Policy Research Report to class. Attendance is highly recommended for assessment preparation. The Workshop is NOT recorded.

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06
Week 11

(13 Oct - 19 Oct)
Lecture

Week 11: Food Security

What causes food insecurity and how could it be addressed in Asia? We explore food security as a Non-Traditional Security Issue and discuss its inter-disciplinary nature in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and changing use of agricultural land especially in Southeast Asia.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Seminar

Week 11 (Seminar 8): Food Security Case Study Cambodia

In this seminar we will do a case study of food security in Cambodia - exploring the nexus between water, food, livelihoods, and security. We welcome a Guest Facilitator and practitioner to present first hand experiences of the complex challenges facing policy makers in Cambodia and other Mekong states in developing policy interventions for food security.

Seminar Reflection Checkpoint Two (800 words) is due on the Friday after this workshop on Friday 19th October, 2pm. [Please refer to Blackboard for details].

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 12

(20 Oct - 26 Oct)
Lecture

Week 12: Australian and Asia-Pacific Security

Some argue that US dominance has allowed Australia a 'holiday from strategy' for over four decades. But the underlying assumptions underpinning Australian security strategy have been challenged by the rise of China and the Trump 2.0 administration's 'America First policy'. In this lecture, we examine Australia's emerging strategic dilemmas and the debates surrounding these issues.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Seminar

Week 12 (Seminar 9): Australia's Security and Defence Relationships in the Region.

In this seminar, we will discuss key defence and security challenges facing Australia and how Australian policymakers responding? With the US as Australia's primary security partner and China as a major trading partner, how can Australia balance its security and economic foreign policy goals amidst the uncertainty of Trump's 'America First' policies.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Week 13

(27 Oct - 02 Nov)
Lecture

Week 13: Security Futures

The final lecture will review the principal themes of the course. We will revisit the major security challenges examined during the semester, before then considering a range of alternative scenarios relating to the future of international order in the Asia-Pacific region. How best can the region prepare for future security challenges and maintain a peaceful regional political order?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04
Learning resources
Policies and procedures

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Learning activities