Politics, Society, and International Relations of Contemporary China

4 SKS, SPHII212146

Course Description

With a population of 1.411 billion (as of December 2022), a once-promising economy (average economic growth approaching double digits in the last decade before the Covid-19 pandemic), and the largest active military in the world, China is a large country on its way to becoming a major world power. International relations students deserve serious attention, particularly the dynamics of its political system, the relationship between state and society, and its interactions with other countries today.

China’s political system, described as authoritarian and non-democratic, encourages us to understand how it was formed and evolved to adapt to changing times. It is also interesting to observe how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime seeks to maintain its legitimacy through economic growth and its various implementations in relation to the lives of Chinese citizens in various sectors. Furthermore, China’s international relations are closely linked to the country’s desire to become a major power in international politics and economics. With economic development as its primary goal, will China integrate peacefully into the world system? Or will the assumptions of an “impending conflict with China” and a “China threat” prove to be true? Will China, as many fear, become a hegemonic power like the United States?

This lecture will engage participants in a discussion of selected issues in contemporary Chinese politics, society, and international relations. It is hoped that through the study and discussion of these selected issues, our efforts to understand China as a nation with its own values and a major emerging power will be more informed and proportionate.

Expected Learning Outcome

Explain the dynamics of the political system, social life, and principles and policies of contemporary Chinese international relations.
Explain selected issues related to China’s political system, society, and international relations today.
Demonstrate competence in critical and analytical research skills.