Course overview
This course familiarizes students with a more thorough understanding of China’s contemporary foreign policy and the broader policy implications of China’s rising influence in Asia. We will engage and synthesize some of the key intellectual debates on the political, diplomatic, military, and economic issues resulting from China’s rise, and examine their impact on regional security dynamics and order. Students will evaluate how existing theories of international relations and foreign policy analysis apply to China to gain a deeper appreciation of the factors that undergird security conflict and cooperation in Chinese foreign policy.
Course content
This course covers such topics as:
• Balance of power politics in Asia
• China’s grand strategy and foreign policy decision-making
• China’s foreign economic engagement
• US-China Relations and Asia’s security
Course structure
The course will take place over one intensive week and will include lectures, student-led discussion facilitation and presentation on the readings, simulation exercises, and debates to offer a blend of hands-on learning experiences. A final policy paper assignment will offer students an opportunity to apply and reflect on the core themes from this class. Additional field visits and guest lectures will be arranged (pending final confirmation closer to course dates).