Executive Program: Latin American Politics and Asia-Pacific Relations

Coordinator Latin America and Asia Pacific Relations:

Professor: Andrés Bórquez

Coordinator Key Latin American actors and institutions

Professor: Andrés Dockendorff Valdés

Description

This two-week executive policy training course provides an intensive and applied overview of Latin American politics and the region’s evolving relations with the Asia-Pacific. Designed for academics, policy analysts, and early-career professionals, the programme examines how historical legacies, political institutions, and governance challenges shape policy outcomes in Latin America, and how these dynamics influence the region’s engagement with Asia-Pacific partners in a changing global order.

The first week focuses on the foundations of Latin American politics, including institutional development, party systems, populism, political participation, and regional integration, using comparative and policy-oriented case studies from Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, among others.

The second week explores Latin America–Asia-Pacific relations, emphasizing policy narratives, institutional mechanisms, and channels of interaction with China, India, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN, as well as their implications for economic diplomacy, development cooperation, and global governance.

Hours of work:

Total: 20 hours per MODULE, Total 40 hours - 4 hours per day (2 weeks) and visits

Visits will be arrange to relevant places for the course, such as: ECLAC-UN, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament, ANEPE

Number of credits SCT – Chile

Four credits

Requirements:

Proficiency in English (the course is conducted entirely in English)

Dates and Format

• July 27 to August 7
• 100% in-person format.
• The program fee does not include international or domestic airfare, accommodation, or travel/health insurance.
• Applications deadline June 30.

Fees

• Programme fee: USD 400 per student
• Allocation: 30% will be allocated to partner Asian universities of the Institute of International Studies (IEI)

Knowledge / content

MODULE I  Key Latin American actors and institutions

• Class 1- Introduction: The main political landmarks from the colony to the 1960s.
• Class 2- The struggle for democracy in Latin America.
• Class 3- The main problems of Latin American development
• Class 4- Political parties.
• Class 5- The military
• Class 6- Social movements and Trade Unions.
• Class 7- The president.
• Class 8- The legislative.
• Class 9- Citizenship and democracy (public opinion)
• Class 10- Populism in Latin America: actors and policies.

MODULE II  Latin America and Asia Pacific Relations

• Class 11 - Latin America in a World in Transition
• Class 12 - Narratives: Latino Pacific, Active non-alignment, Strategic hedging
• Class 13 - Latin America´s Security Challenges
• Class 14 - Latin America and the US
• Class 15 - Latin American and China
• Class 16 - Latin America and ASEAN
• Class 17 - Latin American and India
• Class 18 - Latin American and Japan-Korea
• Class 19- Policy Briefs Presentation
• Class 20- Discussion Panel

Methodology

The course is conducted entirely in English and follows a seminar-based, in-person format. Sessions combine lectures delivered by faculty members with structured discussion and analytical exchange. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis, policy relevance, and applied perspectives.

The programme is academically supervised by Professors Andrés Bórquez and Andrés Dockendorff, who oversee the coherence, academic rigor, and overall quality of the course. Upon successful completion, participants will receive an official Certificate of Participation issued by the University of Chile.

Evaluation

Assessment is based on one individual policy brief (approximately four pages), focused on the analysis of a specific policy challenge in Latin America–Asia-Pacific relations.

The objective of the assignment is to strengthen participants’ ability to translate academic knowledge into clear, actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers in government, international organizations, or the private sector.

The policy brief should:

• Identify a clearly defined policy problem discussed during the course
• Provide a concise diagnosis (avoiding extensive historical background)
• Assess alternative policy options
• Present feasible and context-sensitive recommendations
• Consider counter-arguments and implementation constraints
• Length: 1,200–1,500 words (excluding references)

Deadline: Final day of the course (morning)

Bibliography

Selected readings will be distributed prior to the start of the course.

Professors

• Andrés Bórquez
• Andrés Dockendorff
• Miguel Ángel López
• Federico Rojas
• Dorotea López
• Juan Serrano
• Camilo Aguirre
• Carlos Olguín
• Shiao Wang
• Jael Cortés
• José Manuel Morales
• Ricardo Gamboa
• Eduardo Carreño