China’s Rise and US-China Rivalry (POL361)

POL361 China’s Rise and US-China Rivalry charts the trajectory of China’ ascendance to great power status on the world stage. Contrasting views of China’s emergence are foregrounded as we trace the evolution of China’s foreign policy from 1949 to the 21st century. After understanding who and what shape today’s Chinese foreign policy, we will examine China’s role in the UN and WTO, how China has sought to enhance its international standing through both hard and soft power, as well as the territorial issues and transnational challenges that a rising China has to grapple with. Finally, we will discuss the nature of Chinese power before concluding with the implications of China's rise for international order and stability.

• China’s Rise and the Changing International Order
• From Sinocentrism to the Western International System
• The Cold War and Its End
• Chinese Foreign Policymaking in the Reform Era and Beyond
• China in International Institutions
• Growing Hard and Soft Power
• China’s Core Interests
• Security Competition
• Technology Competition
• Economic Interdependence and De-coupling
• The Ukraine War and the New Round of Sino-US Strategic Competition
• The Impact of Great Power Rivalry

• Demonstrate basic knowledge in who and what shapes Chinese foreign policy
• Develop and present arguments on the nature of China’s rise
• Apply international relations concepts and theories in explaining China’s rise and great power rivalry
• Discuss the relationship between the domestic politics and foreign policy of both China and the US
• Assess the efficacy of China’s hard and soft power vis-à-vis that of the US
• Appraise the impact and implications of US-China rivalry