DAFF 25A23 - South Korea’s Security and Strategic Challenges

DAFF 25A23 · Spring semester 2025-2026

Language of tuition
English
Course type
Cours séminaire
Number of hours
24
Credits
5

Information

Description

This course will explore the security issues faced by South Korea through the examination of traditional and non-traditional threats. It will cover the historical context of the Korean Peninsula, ongoing military threats from North Korea, regional security dynamics, and emerging security dynamics such as cybersecurity and economic security. It will cover several key concepts (e.g. alliances, multilateralism, regional geopolitics, deterrence, human security…) that are essential for understanding the country’s complex security landscape while providing a foundation for analyzing South Korea’s national defense strategy, its international relations, and its security challenges.

Through case studies and in-class discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of South Korea’s security environment, and the strategies employed to address these challenges, while preparing them to engage with contemporary security issues in East Asia with a nuanced and well-informed perspective.

Prerequisites

Aucun

Assessment

One group presentation with a topic chosen by the instructor (presented during the first session: presentations from session 2 to session 11) (25%)

One individual paper40%
One simulation25%

Student engagement during the semester (participation in class discussions during and outside of class, ability to ask questions…) (10%)

Readings

Main readings 1

  1. - Kim, Samuel S. (2006) The Two Koreas and the Great Powers. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Read online

Further readings 2

  1. - Pacheco Pardo, Ramon (2023) South Korea’s Grand Strategy: Making Its Own Destiny. New York: Columbia University Press.

  2. - Snyder, Scott (2018) South Korea at the Crossroads: Autonomy and Alliance in an Era of Rival Powers. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Borrow

Teaching units

Unit no.Unit type Teaching unitsTeachers Number of hoursCredits
57718Cours séminaire South Korea’s Security and Strategic Challenges Daniel MARCELINO RODRIGUES245

Teachers

  • Daniel MARCELINO RODRIGUES

In the curricula

Contacts and resources

Contact
NICOULEAU Svetlana