INTR2005 The Next Superpower? The Rise of China in the 21st Century

2015

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

1 of ASST2009, DVST2003, INTR3041, POLI2003, POLI3041 has been successfully completed

The rise of China from isolation to great power status is one of the most important developments in international relations during the twenty-first century. This topic introduces students to the challenges posed by China's emergence as a major player in international diplomacy and the global economy, as well as it defence modernisation program. The topic introduces students to key Chinese concepts in foreign policy, especially the ideas of China's 'peaceful development' and a 'harmonious world'. China's rise to great power status looks inevitable, but is it?

This topic also considers the enormous social and environmental challenges faced by the ruling Communist Party as it seeks to map out a path of sustainable development and grapple with the challenges of greater openess to global influences via the internet and political reform.

The topic aims to:

• introduce the role played by China in key international institutions and groupings such as the G-20
• explain the key concepts in Chinese foreign policy
• examine the major debates in international relations over the implications of China's rise
• identify the challenges posed by rapid social change and growth in markets
• provide insights into the political, economic and security challenges for Australian foreign policy makers arising from China's rise.

On successful completion of this topic students should be able to:

1. Assess debates about how the international community should engage China
2. Analyse trends in Chinese foreign policy
3. Distinguish between different academic perspectives on whether China's rise is peaceful or will result in conflict
4. Describe the economic, diplomatic and military dimensions of China's rise
5. understand China's social and economic challenges which may delay its rise to great power status.