Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia

Asian countries, especially in the Newly Industrialized Economies and ASEAN, have achieved great economic development, and have become a central locus of global growth at the turn of the century. In the course of this process, nationbuilding can be seen as one of the present successes.
However, beyond this successful achievement of nationbuilding, Asia will face three challenges in the future. The first is the problem of regional integration. Looking at institutions like ASEAN and APEC, it is clear that management of the international relations of Asian countries has become an urgent theme.
In addition to this, a second challenge will be redefining the role of national level administrative organization. The third will be deepening democracy at the local level. At various levels important themes are coming to the surface and are interacting. For example, while national-level government has been pursuing growth, the phenomenon of exploding cities is unfolding, with its corresponding implications for government at the local level is unfolding.
What were in the past distinct kinds of problems of maintaining political organization and administrative organization, are now being covered under governance theory. There were many cases where government theory was equated only with the formal political system, but greater attention is now being paid in the analysis of Asian politics to how a country is actually ruled and how policy is formulated. These themes treat the international, national and local levels not as separate layers but as interacting components covered by governance theory.
In recognition of this changing context of contemporary Asia, Kyushu University's Faculty of Law has established a new program, Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia.

The CSPA Program revolves around The following three themes:

• Regional governance theory studies of Asian region integration
  International relations are of rapidly increasing importance in Asia. Because Asia has had a long experience with colonialism, it did not have a developed international network in comparison with Europe and America. However, after 1980, both Asian economic development and global movements affecting the area began to lead to remarkable regional integration, as can be seen concretely in the form of ASEAN's activities, and the creation of APEC. Asia's regional integration is continuing to deepen. These exercises in regional integration, while touching on Asian comparative government theory, will be studied in historical and structural perspective.

• National governance theory comparative theoretical studies of Asian government and governance
  As has already been said, for the movement Asian countries have succeeded in nation-building. This process has resulted in a wide delay in the adjustment of social capital. In terms of the coexistence of the public sector and the private sector, most developed countries have first invested social capital in the public sector. For example, railroads, harbors and roads are all forms of social capital infrastructure.
  In contrast, Asian countries have paid more attention to the development of the private sector. As a result, unprecedented economic development occurred; but also as a result, the corresponding adjustments required in public expenditure have been delayed. To give one example, a flood of individual expenditure on cars, without timely provision of public roads, has created violent traffic stagnation in Asia.
  With so much attention devoted to nation building up to the present, the important thing from now on is for national governance theory to give a sound basis for public policy.

• Local governance theory comparative studies of theories of Asian urbanization
  Of course, the success of nation-building does not mean that the task of public welfare has been completely accomplished. Along with national level public maintenance, local government maintenance is also important.
  To speak concretely, such public services as public health, water service, sewage public education, and fire fighting are all provided by the local level of government. This means that the maintenance of local government has become another important theme for Asian countries. In addition to public maintenance, the maintenance and expansion of self-governing organizations will be essential to cooperate with countries in Asia. This point must be kept in mind. In the current situation, the operations and policies of local government bodies still need to develop. The harmonization of local government and its practical operation forms the basis of local governance theory

• An undergraduate degree in Politics, International Relations, Political Sciences or a related field in Social Sciences from an accredited university;
• A thorough proficiency in English language. If English is not your first language you must demonstrate English competence with TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent. A TOEFL score of 550 (iBT 80, CBT213), IELTS score of 6.0 or above is required for admission; and 
• Sufficient financial support for the duration of the programme. If you are not the recipient of a Japanese government scholarship, you are required to provide a letter of your financial plans. 
• Completed CSPA Application Form
• A photocopy of Graduation Certificate of the last undergraduate university and graduate school(s) attended, OR a Certified Letter from the university at which the applicant is currently attending, stating the expected graduation date. 
• Official School Transcript of the last university from which the applicant graduated or the university where the applicant is currently attending.
• Two Letters of Reference (forms attached below) from the Dean, the applicant's academic supervisors or other teaching staff who have had direct contact with the applicant; or from a supervisor in the employing body with personal knowledge of the applicant. If you wish to receive a Japanese Government Scholarship, one Letter of Reference must be from the Dean. 
• Research Proposal of your master’s thesis in two A4 pages (free format)
• Certificate of Citizenship or Proof of Residence in the applicant’s home country, i.e., census register, passport (photocopy), or another positive proof of citizenship. 
• One photograph taken within the past 6 months (4.5 cm X 3.5 cm).
• Interview

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Scholarships

3 successful CSPA applicants will be supported by a special scholarship from the Japanese government (conditions may apply). The scholarship covers all tuition fees, a monthly sipend and a return flight ticket to Japan. Those who are interested in the scholarship must indicate your interst in it on your application form.