Description
This module aims to provide a critical examination of key issues and processes related to the international relations of China. The focus of the module is on developments since the end of the Cold War, with a particular emphasis on the rise of China and its various implications for international politics.
As protestors in the summer of 1989 gathered in Tiananmen Square to demand greater political rights, it appeared as though the changes that swept Europe with the collapse of Soviet Union were being replicated in China. Nearly two decades on, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) remains in power, having successfully negotiated the end of the Cold War and built the foundations for China’s rise as a Great Power in the world. China is now integrated into the world economy and has played important political roles. Yet, China meanwhile seems to be vulnerable as well. Many Western observers have been expecting the collapse of People’s Republic of China (PRC), as they argue that the regime lacks legitimacy since it is not built upon an electoral/democratic system. The riots that took place in Tibet in 2008 and in Xingjian in 2009 to a certain degree reflect the fragility of the PRC. In addition, China’s rise appears threatening to many people. Foreigners often worry that China’s rapid development will present a threat to the stability of the current world order. Military and political tensions between China and Taiwan could undermine the stability of the Northeast Asian region; China’s historical animosity towards Japan endures. Other countries, especially a United States increasingly anxious about losing its preeminence, are often even more outspoken than Chinese observers in proclaiming the imminent rise of a Chinese pole on the global power-map.
This module tries to contemplate the following three questions by examining the rise of China, both in theoretical and empirical terms:
(1) Is China’s rise a real phenomenon, and what are the characteristics of China’s rise, if any?
(2) Is the rise of China an opportunity or a threat, and how should we analyse it?
(3) How should the world manage China’s rise?
The module is composed of 12 sessions. It opens with an introduction to contemporary theories of International Relations. Here we will consider how those rival perspectives can be applied to the rise of China. Theories being introduced here include both mainstream and reflective approaches (Session 2 and Session 3). The former refers to the IR theories of Realism and Liberalism, while the latter refers to Constructivism and Post-structuralism. Following this, we will be considering China’s conceptions of world order and its foreign policy making process (Session 4). The module will then shift to China’s relationships with different countries/areas around the world over various issues (Section 5-11). The countries/areas being discussed include the US, Japan, India, ASEAN, EU, Russia, the former Soviet Republics, and the so-called ‘Third World’ countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The concluding seminar (Section 12) will discuss the question of how the world might respond to China’s rise.
Teaching method
The course is taught through two-hour seminars. During the course of the module students are expected to take part in both large and small group discussions; lead seminar discussions; present and defend their ideas within an academic setting; and take part in group projects. The module provides links to other courses, including Dr Lindsay Black’s IR of Japan and Dr Florian Schneider’s course on Chinese Government and Politics. Each seminar will also include a piece of required reading that specifically raises methodological issues. Through seminar discussion, supervisory meetings and coursework students are given the opportunity to engage with and discuss key issues at the forefront of theoretical developments within the discipline.
Admission requirements
Some background in modern East Asian politics and international relations would be useful, but not necessary.
Course objectives
By the end of the course each student is expected to develop the following skills:
[Understanding of China’s International Relations]
Critically identify and discuss key issues surrounding the history and development of China’s international relations;
A critical awareness of the key debates concerning the rise of China;
Identify and critically evaluate key issues pertaining to China’s international relations.
[Knowledge of International Relations Theories]
Demonstrate a broad understanding of International Relations theory as this pertains to Chinese foreign policy;
Critically reflect upon key theories and concepts of IR theories using a variety of case studies related to China’s international relations;
Apply conceptual tools to analyse key events and processes in the international relations of China.
[Intellectual Skills]
Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, develop the capacity for independent learning, critique major texts on China’s international relations, and participate in class debates;
Display the confidence to present their arguments in relevant academic contexts (seminars, workshops, conferences) for specialists in IR of China.
Course load
140 Hours in Total for 5 ECTS
Required reading
To be announced
Test method
There are 5 elements of coursework. The first, Article Summary, is an ‘informal’ assessment; in other words, the piece of work will be commented upon and graded but it will not contribute directly to the overall assessment. The other 4 elements combined constitute the final mark.
Article Summary
Web-posts (20%)
1× 20 min Presentation (20%)
1× 2000 word Essay (20%)
1× 2 Hour Exam (40%)
Time table
Check the departmental website for time and location: time table.
Contact
For further information about the course, please contact Dr. Yih-Jye Hwang
Registration
Enrollment period:
1st semester: 24 August 2009 till 3 September 2009
2nd semester: 18 January 2010 from 10.00 hrs till 27 January 2010.
Via U-twist, check enrollment
Blackboard
A handbook denoting weekly readings will be posted on blackboard the week before the start of the semester.
Additional information (PowerPoint presentations, useful websites, etc…) will also be found on blackboard over the course of the semester.
Students are also required to submit five web posts (short responses to seminar questions based on the weekly readings) over the course of the semester.
Remarks
None