CHINA AND THE WORLD: HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

The course aims to provide the analytical, conceptual and methodological tools to understand the tenets, characteristics and evolution of the relations between China and the world following the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Starting from the reconstruction of the Chinese approach to foreign policy and the main processes that have defined its relationship with the outside world, the course will also focus on the status of China's international relations in contemporary times, particularly as regards the developments brought about by the political and institutional consolidation of Xi Jinping’s power. Against this backdrop, the most key Chinese initiatives on a global level will be examined, aiming at evaluating their influence on several different levels (political, economic, security, but also social and cultural) and understanding their impact on and within the international order. The most critical peculiarities and aspects of China's regional relations in the global context will be examined. Constant effort will be exercised in examining the domestic politics- foreign policy nexus in the Chinese context, in order to understand its influence on the development of relations between China and the world. Finally, identifying the factors of continuity and ruptures within the evolution of China’s foreign relations will be a central feature to the course.

Consolidated knowledge of tenets, characteristics and developments informing China’s foreign relations. Understanding of the specific processes and main critical aspects regarding China's regional relations in the global context. Building a critical and well-founded perspective on the relations between China and the world.

Consolidated knowledge of the contemporary history of China, particularly as regards the domestic political development and the historical evolution of its foreign relations.

Historical overview of the relations between the People's Republic of China and the world;
Identification of the actors, interests, strategies informing China's international posture (including the country's role in the global economic structure, strategic vision, and security);
Analysis of Chinese foreign policy in the 21st century, particularly in the Xi Jinping era (2012-);
Examination of the most key Chinese foreign policy initiatives, including their global/regional impact and the reactions from the international community (particularly as regards the Belt and Road Initiative);
Understanding of the Chinese approach to soft power and its main critical aspects;
Framing and analysis of China's regional relations in the global context. Historical overview of relations between the People's Republic of China and the world.

For an introduction to the political history and international relations of contemporary China*:
- Garver, J.W. (2016). "China's Quest. The History of the Foreign Relations of the Peoople's Republic of China". New York, Oxford University Press (capp. 2-16).
- Samarani, G. (2017). "La Cina Contemporanea. Dalla Fine dell'Impero ad Oggi". Torino, Einaudi.

For the understanding of principles, processes, characteristics and dimensions regarding the unraveling of China's global projection:
- Hughes, C.R. (2015). "China as a Leading State in the International System". In Steve Tsang & Honghua Men (eds.). "China in the Xi Jinping Era". Cham, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 271-297.
- Nathan, A.J. (2016). "China’s Rise and International Regimes: Does China Seek to Overthrow Global Norms?". In Robert S. Ross & Jo Inge Bekkevold (eds.). "China in the Era of Xi Jinping: Domestic and Foreign Policy Challenges". Washington, Georgetown University Press, pp. 165-195.
- Lanteigne, M. (2020). "Chinese Foreign Policy. An Introduction". Abingdon, Routledge (capp. 3, 5).
- Stenslie, S. & Chen, G. (2016). "Xi Jinping's Grand Strategy: From Vision to Implementation". In Robert S. Ross & Jo Inge Bekkevold (eds.). "China in the Era of Xi Jinping: Domestic and Foreign Policy Challenges". Washington, Georgetown University Press, pp. 117-136.
- Sutter, R.G. (2021). "Chinese Foreign Relations. Power and Policy of an Emerging Global Force". London, Rowman & Littlefield (cap. 2).

For the Belt and Road Initiative:
- Zhou, W. & Esteban, M. (2018). "Beyond Balancing: China’s Approach towards the Belt and Road Initiative". Journal of Contemporary China 27(112), pp. 487-501.

For the examination of China's soft power:
- Lai, H. (2012). "China's Cultural Diplomacy. Going for Soft Power". In ,Hongyi Lai & Yiyi Lu (eds.). "China's Soft Power and International Relations". Abingdon & New York, Rouledge, pp. 83-103.
- Shambaugh, D. (2015). "China's Soft-Power Push: The Search for Respect". Foreign Affairs, 94(4), pp. 99-107.

Further readings on China's regional relations in the global context will be shared at a later stage.

*Please note that eadings in this section are intended to provide an historical overview on the development of therelations between China and the world. A good knowledge of the contents is required, altough these materials represent more an introductory appendix than a full integral section of the syllabus.

Oral exam. If the number of students enrolled in the course reach is limited, and the circumstances make it a viable option, seminar sessions will be held. Stuedents' contribution will be account for the final evaluation.

Lectures. Interaction and direct involvement of the students in the debate will be constant. Should circumstances make it possible, in a pandemic scenario in constant and unpredictable evolution, the second part of the course will host the lectures and seminars from guest researchers and professors.

Italian

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This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development