The seminar places particular emphasis on the conditions affecting the occurrence, conduct and aftermath of war in the region. Topics covered in the seminar include the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947 and the creation of political, ethnic, religious, and territorial disputes between the two countries; ethnic and religious sources of instability in the region; civil-military relations; South Asia during the Cold War; South Asia and the global war against terrorism; the foreign relations of India and Pakistan with the United States, Russia, China and neighboring countries; the origins and military conduct of the three India-Pakistan wars; and the acquisition of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan and their impact on regional security and international stability. Depending on student interest, the course also will cover security dynamics of smaller South Asian states (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan)

This course covers a selected range of topics for understanding current South Asian political developments and towards answering the larger question of why South Asia is the way it is: What are the internal and external structures and institutions in South Asian countries that shape their political activities and stance? In this course we study contemporary issues in the context of regional, national, and local political developments in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This will assist in thinking relationally and comparatively across nations of the region, as well as provide an understanding of different movements and events that shape this region.

This elective course surveys the cultural, political, social, economic and military situations in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh with a focus on United States national interests in the region. The United States appears to pay serious attention to the region only in times of crises—as evidenced by past wars, India’s and Pakistan’s nuclear tests in May 1998, and the Tsunami in 2004. Until recently its policies in the region have focused on single narrowly-defined issues such as the proliferation or terrorism and its regional responses clouded by cold-war perceptions. Seminar participants will explore broader emerging opportunities and risks in the region. Among other topics, it will look at the dynamics of demographic change, the impact of the green revolution, rapid industrialization and urbanization, the role of foreign trade and investments, and the internal insurgencies and terrorism and their implication for internal political stability and change. The course will emphasize the motivations and perceptions of the leaderships and elite in these countries and the recent shifts in US interests and policies in the region, especially in Pakistan and India. A short paper is required to be written co-jointly with 6500.

Advanced area study with focus on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Advanced Area Studies course dates may be obtained by checking the corresponding language course dates. See corresponding language (Bengali, Dari, Hindi, Sinhala/Singhalese and Urdu) dates on page 166 of the FSI course catalog. Applicants registering solely for the area studies component may choose their own starting and ending dates after consulting with the course chairperson to determine what would best fit their individual needs. Contact the Director of Area Studies at 703-302-6875 to arrange a special session.

These seminars are organized and led by FSI area specialists; who also bring in expert lecturers from universities; government and private organizations. The courses combine lectures; discussions; and other participatory activities; field trips; written and audio-visual materials in order to highlight the key historical; political; economic and socio-cultural themes of each region. American policy interests; such as economic competitiveness; security issues; democratization; environmental concerns and other major initiatives; are analyzed within each regional context. In addition; the courses are responsive to the individual and pragmatic needs of persons departing directly for overseas posts. Applicants for these courses should indicate their specific country of interest. It is also advisable to confirm course content because changes which occur in the real world are quickly reflected in course organization and teaching at the Foreign Service Institute. Some of these courses also include modules that are shorter in duration and focus on a specific country or sub-regional issues. These modules are; in general; one or two days that are set aside to address a specific region or organization. Participants may register for the module portion only. Please see schedule for more information.