Course curriculum

  • 1

    Day 1. The Challenges of a Rising Power: Shifting Capabilities

    • Introduction: Perspectives on China's rapid rise

    • Offensive realism: power-maximizing behavior

    • Liberal institutionalism: economic interdependence and international organizations

    • Power transition theory: hegemonic stability and instability/Thucydides’s Trap
  • 2

    Day 2. Ideological Roots and Policy Concerns

    • The ideological roots of China’s aggressiveness: The CCP as a threat to others

    • The ideological roots of China’s defensiveness: The CCP fearing threats from others

    • Policy implications: Dealing with a rising authoritarian great power
  • 3

    Day 3. Discussion Prep

    • Points to ponder