IR225: Understanding China’s Rise: Global and Local Perspectives

China’s rise has been one of the defining issues of contemporary world history. Examine this transformation in global affairs from both outside-in and inside-out perspectives. 

You will explore how China has shaped, and been shaped by, its encounters with the international order, from the Qing Empire to the present. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this course brings together research from history, international relations, and international political economy.  You will explore the ideas, individuals, and structures that have driven China’s rise and will continue to influence its place in the world in the years to come.

The course focuses on two key questions: How has China shaped the world? And how has the world shaped China? Through these questions, you will investigate three core issues—economic development, security, and global governance—while tracing their evolution across key moments in Chinese history from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first. 

By placing China’s experience in historical and global perspective, you will gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the history, causes, and implications of China’s transformations: from an empire to a republic to a socialist revolutionary state and, in recent years, to an emerging superpower. This course will help you to critically assess the implications of China’s rise in today’s changing world.

Prerequisites: At least one introductory course in either social science (e.g. political science, international relations, sociology, economics), history or law.

Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: Mid-session take-home essay (40%) of 1,500 words and a final in-person examination (60%).

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course is ideal if you are seeking a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of China’s re-emergence as a leader on the world stage in recent decades. If you are targeting a career in international business, government or diplomacy, or research and academia you should consider this course. 

• Understand key issues, trends, and turning points in modern Chinese history, political economy, and foreign policy

• Develop skills in interdisciplinary learning by applying insights from history, international relations, and international political economy to pressing questions around China’s role in world order

• Analyse China’s evolving role in the global economy and capabilities in high-technology industries such as semiconductors and renewable energy

• Compare China’s experience to those of other major developing economies to think critically about the causes of economic development

• Gain deeper knowledge of the factors that have shaped China’s relations with the United States and broader “Global North” as well as “Global South” countries since 1949

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.