This course surveys the rise of China and its implications for Asian and international security. The course begins with an historical overview of Chinese security policy with a particular emphasis upon key concepts of national identity, international status, and modernisation. It explores the domestic sources of China’s security policy, China’s security relations in the Asia Pacific, and particular case studies of crisis diplomacy such as the South China Sea, the Mekong River Delta, and the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau.

Students who successfully complete this course should have:

1. A comprehensive knowledge of the evolution of China’s foreign relations and security polices;
2. A critical understanding of the key drivers of Chinese security policy behaviour in the Asia Pacific;
3. Deeper insights into regional foreign policy and security challenges from a Chinese perspective;
4. A developed capacity to present strong arguments in their written and oral work and to link relevant concepts and theories to actual practice skills (as developed through written assessments, in-class discussions and tutorial-based activities).

1. Tutorial participation     10%                
2. Short Essay                        20%                     
3. Research Essay                 40%
4. Final Examination           30%

35 contact hours per semester

A 2-hour lecture session per week for 12 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks of the  semester

No prerequisites are required.

A basic interest/knowledge in political science and/or international relations.

A reading brick of key articles will be provided.

Wattle

Power-point and recording enabled lecture theatre