The course explores the history of modern Asia in a global perspective, specifically the changes of traditional social structures determined by the European colonization, the subsequent emergence of nationalisms and the main stages of decolonization. The course focuses on the origins and evolution of the People’s Republic of China and the processes of independence of India and Pakistan.
The course is structured in two parts.
1) A "general part" (of about 30 hours) outlines the history of Asian states and empires in relation to the changes determined by the progressive integration of the area in the system of global exchanges. An introduction of the relations between Asia and the wider world in the early modern period is followed by the analysis of the forms of colonial domination Europe (and, to a lesser extent, the U.S.) established in the continent by the middle of the 19th century, in order to assess the impact of this influence in economic, social, and cultural terms until World War II.
2) The "monographic part" (of about 34 hours), focuses on the more recent developments in the history of China and India, chosen for their importance in the global economy and in the future assets of international relations. The history of China is scrutinized starting from the establishment of the People’s Republic to its consolidation in the framework of the Cold War and the evolutions following the opening to the market economy. The history of India is explored by following the stages of its emancipation from Great Britain and in its complex relations with Pakistan, with the aim to reflect on the crucial role of religion in the definition of identities, political assets, and economic perspectives in Southern Asia.