Opium, Empire, and State in Asia

Catalog description

Opium is an ancient medicine that became a mainstay for European traders in Asia and the keystone of their imperial economies. After opium opened Asian states to European influence it was established as an economic necessity for multi-national empires, emerging states, and insurgencies alike. This course looks at the political, economic, and social relations of opium in Asia and the world. It examines the connections between local production and global trade in the politics of native cultures, national governments, and international relations. At the end of the semester students will be able to look at today's headlines and understand their historical roots as well their future implications. Fulfills Core requirement(s): Diversity (DIV); and Interdisciplinary studies (IDS) *OR* Cultural Elective (CE). Course cannot fulfill all 3 requirements.