DAFF 25A24 - China Foreign Policy: Statements, Actions, Perceptions.

China’s rise is changing the world's major balances and the system of international governance inherited from the Second World War. But the strategies of this new player are hard to decipher. Firstly, because Chinese foreign policy decision-making processes remain impenetrable. Secondly, because there is a gap between the rhetoric intended for national and foreign audiences and the reality of what the country is doing or trying to do. And thirdly, because the perceptions international players have of China's actions vary according to their own interests.

The aim of this seminar, which will focus on Xi Jinping era, is to provide keys to understanding Chinese positions on the international stage. It will compare official statements with the reality of Beijing's actions and try to understand the motives, modalities and consequences of China’s foreign policy.

No specific knowledge of China is required but a strong interest in current affairs is expected

Class participation will account for 20% of the final grade. Each session will begin with a review of the week’s news related to the seminar’s topic. Debate and interactions will be valued during the whole semester.

Group presentations will account for 30% of the grade.

Two short written assignments will account for 50%: an editorial or opinion paper to be submitted on week 6 (20%), and a policy briefing to be submitted on week 12 (30%).