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The recent rise in tensions between Japan and China, triggered by Prime Minister Takaichi’s testimony before the House of Representatives Budget Committee in November 2025, contains the potential to escalate from cognitive warfare to economic coercion and, ultimately, to military tension. This dynamic is shaped by the complex interaction of several background factors.
First, as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the balance of power between China and Russia has shifted, altering the nature of their strategic partnership; simultaneously, Russia–North Korea relations have deepened, effectively alleviating North Korea’s international isolation. Second, while the Chinese government continues to emphasize the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue in its official rhetoric, it has, in parallel, rapidly expanded preparations and investments for a potential military solution based on a “logic of numbers,” markedly increasing quantitative military capabilities. Third, the Trump administration’s inclination toward a form of “deal-driven” unilateralism, together with its emphasis on an approach that tolerates changes to the status quo by force, has generated doubts among U.S. allies regarding the credibility of American security guarantees and sustained engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Fourth, as a result, countries such as Japan and the Philippines—facing a widening capability gap vis-à-vis China and compelled to respond from a position shaped by a sense of relative inferiority—have intensified security cooperation not only with the United States but also with other like-minded partners. At the same time, the growing economic and resource dependence on China cannot be overlooked. This course employs neoclassical realism as its primary analytical framework, supplemented by constructivism and other approaches, to explain—on the basis of empirical research—the emergence of a multipolar world driven by great-power consciousness, the structural variables underpinning U.S.–China rivalry, and the diverse response patterns adopted by regional states, with particular focus on Northeast and Southeast Asia within the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, in this lecture, while paying attention to these complex factors, I will explain the territorial issues and security concerns that could be the ignition point for destabilization of regional security in the East Asia. To do so, I also offer opportunities to view the trends and status of security strategies, alliance policies, and military might development of Japan, the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea, ASEAN countries, and Russia as the fundamental knowledge to understand regional security architecture. The ultimate goal of this class is to grasp and understand security situation in the Indo-Pacific theater; to consider how European countries are involved and should engage in the region in an era of the U.S.-China persistent great power competition. The course is open only for students of master's degree programmes. Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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The ultimate goal of this class is to grasp and understand security situation in the Indo-Pacific theater; to consider how European countries are involved and should engage in the region in an era of the U.S.-China persistent great power competition. Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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Course assessment is based on A-F scale defined by Dean´s of the Faculty provision 17/2018 (https://www.fsv.cuni.cz/opatreni-dekanky-c-172018aj) obligatory for all courses and lecturers. Read the provision carefully before applying! Course completion requirements In Class behavior: 20% Attendance: 40% Final essay: 40% Final Essay
Write your essay in the specified format as below.
1. Topic Choose one specific security issue in Indo-Pacific, explain it with suitable international relations theory or geopolitical one
* Before beginning to write the essay, you must consult with me by email regarding your chosen topic and obtain my approval.
2. Length and Format (2) ”Front cover” and “Reference literature” pages are not included the pages (3) Font: Arial or Times New Roman (4) Font size: 12
3. Period of Submission 7 - 31/05/ 2026
4. Submission method * Email (hosoda@fsv.cuni.cz and takashi_hosoda2003@yahoo.co.jp) with an * The submitted file must be named using the essay author’s full name. Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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Recommended books to read (no-obligation): Brose, Christian.: The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare, 2020 Cha, Victor C.: Alignment Despite Antagonism: Japan and Korea as Quasi-allies, 1994
Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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Methods of teaching: Explaining major security issues mainly in East Asia and additionally in Southeast Asia with holistic approach of IR theories such as neoclassical realism and constructivism to explain behavior of actors (norm entrepreneur), including the state, the military, and the nation, from competition to interdependence. Eclectic approach of theory and positivism, and adequate level of military/weapon technologies are also applied to explain the issues in the regions. Use of generative AI tools: The use and citation of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or MS Copilot) in seminar papers and other coursework must comply with the decrees of the IMS Director No. 7/2023 and 9/2023. Generative AI tools may be used unless explicitly prohibited by the instructor. However, they may not be used to generate substantial sections of the text or replace the student’s own intellectual contribution. The student remains fully responsible for any content generated with assistance of AI tools. Presenting AI-generated content, whether verbatim, rephrased, or only slightly modified, as one’s own work constitutes plagiarism. Every submitted paper must include a transparent statement specifying which generative AI tools were used, in which stage of the work they were employed, and how they were used, or confirming that no generative AI tools were used. If this statement is missing or incomplete, the instructor is not permitted to accept the paper for evaluation. Unless the instructor explicitly prohibits the use of generative AI tools, the decision to use or not to use them rests fully with the student. The student has the right to request that the instructor does not use AI assistance for evaluating their work. Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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1. Introduction of lecture, Geopolitical and Geoeconomic feature of East Asia (February 18) 2. Modern and contemporary history of regional security (February 25) 3. Territorial disputes in East Asia (March 4) 4. Arms race in the region and economic interdependence (March 11) 5. Trump’s “Don-roe doctrine” and U.S. deterrence by denial strategy (March 18) 6. Xi’s third term and hybrid challenges posed by PRC (March 25) 7. Japan’s pragmatic self-defense approach besides the Japan-U.S. alliance (April 1) 8. Taiwan contingency and Taiwan’s defense policy (April 8) 9. PRC’s assertiveness in Southeast Asia and reactions by ASEAN members (April 15) 10. DPRK’s WMD development and North-South relations (April 22) Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (09.02.2026)
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