Course features

Navigate the cultural dynamics and geopolitical realities of one of the world’s most important regions with this timely course from King’s College London.

The Indo-Pacific is increasingly central to global security and diplomacy, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood regions. This course explores how culture shapes decision-making, perception, and foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific — equipping you with the tools to engage more thoughtfully and strategically with regional actors.

Guided by Professor Eitan Oren, you’ll investigate how cultural frameworks influence judgement, cognitive styles, and political behaviour across countries like China, Japan, and others in East and Southeast Asia. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how regional values, communication norms, and cultural perspectives shape responses to international events, including conflict and crisis.

Combining critical theory, cultural psychology, and real-world case studies, this course provides essential skills for diplomats, defence professionals, analysts, and students seeking to operate effectively in an increasingly multipolar world.

This is a short course that can be completed in 5 hours — designed to be flexible and fit into your schedule.

Course format

This course is delivered through the edX learning platform and is designed to be completed in approximately 5 hours.

Learning outcomes

The detailed aims of this course are for students to:

• Recognise decision-making differences across Indo-Pacific cultures

• Avoid cultural blind spots in foreign policy and security contexts

• Apply culturally informed methods to international engagement

• Assess how culture shapes regional and global security behaviour

• Explore how thinking styles impact diplomacy and interpretation

Curriculum

Unit 1: Introduction

Examine cultural pitfalls in regional engagement and their implications.

Unit 2: Defining Culture

Explore what culture is, when it matters, and how it influences decisions.

Unit 3: Cultural Differences Section

Analyse cross-cultural thinking styles and how they impact foreign policy.

Unit 4: Judging and Decision-Making

Study regional judgment and decision-making patterns in the Indo-Pacific.

Unit 5: Culturally-Informed Approaches

Design and apply culturally aware approaches to regional engagement.

Entry requirements

Further information

King’s College London has partnered with the online education platform edX to deliver self-paced courses to learners worldwide. Anyone can audit the course materials for free, excluding graded assessments, for a limited time.

For full access to the course, including graded assessments, and to obtain a verified certificate upon successful completion, the USD fee is $249.

The GBP course fee displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and subject to change in line with current exchange rates.

Payment for verified access to the course is made directly via edX. Please see edX Terms of Service for further information.