Course content

Contemporary China’s rise began with its opening and reform policies in the late 1970s. Since then, it has become increasingly influential, first as an economic actor and more recently as a player in international politics. In this lecture, we will examine the mechanisms and processes of China’s foreign policy, its diplomatic strategies and foreign policy perspectives, and its various foreign relations with countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. We will also study how these countries see China and formulate and implement their China policies accordingly. We will also look at the role of China (and Taiwan and Hong Kong) in international organisations and regimes, such as the United Nations and its agencies, the World Trade Organisation, and international treaties. By studying the country case of China, we will also discuss theories and methods of Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations. The lecture will help the students to become more proficient in the analysis of foreign policies and international relations.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have knowledge of how foreign policy is formulated and implemented in China
• have knowledge of the impact of China’s engagement in different regions of the world
• have knowledge of China’s international relations
• have knowledge about the important theories explaining foreign policy and international relations
• have knowledge about the methods for studying a country’s foreign policy and international relations

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the themes which was discussed in in the lecture in an independent empirical analytical manner which fulfils the requirements for academic writing and discussion
• learn how to apply the analysis methods of Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations

Learning methods and activities

• 2 hours of lectures per week. The language of instruction is English.
• Continuous reading of the course materials.
• Supervised writing of a term paper on a topic of the student’s choice related to the topics covered in the lecture.

For elective courses in the specialization in Political Science, the following applies: If fewer than 10 students attend the course during the first two weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved term paper outline at mid-term

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Given at the start of the semester.