Axis, Alignment, or Illusion? Understanding Authoritarian Cooperation in the 21st Century

Catalog description

How is China reshaping the future of global power and influence? This course offers an in-depth exploration of China's rise as a dominant player in the modern world, examining the strategic, political, and technological forces that define its global ambitions. Through a blend of historical context and contemporary analysis, students will uncover how China's foreign policy challenges the established international order, from economic diplomacy to technological innovation, military strategy, and beyond. Participants will critically assess key themes such as trade wars, technology competition, and military modernization, as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative and its complex relationship with the United States. Whether you're focused on international relations, technology, business, or security, this course will provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics shaping 21st-century global power competition. By the end of the course, students will gain fresh perspectives on the geopolitical and technological trends driving China's ascent, and how they will shape the future of global governance, economics, and security. This course is offered in Washington, DC for students in the SIW Program Only.