China and Global Governance

China and Global Governance is a comprehensive course of the evolving dynamics withing the international system, focusing on China’s role and impact. The course transcends conventional analyses of the international system and delves into the complexities of global governance, addressing political, legal system and social issues as well as human rights and security.

The debate on global governance encompasses the conduct and behaviour of states, international organizations, civil society, and corporations as well as the influence of active citizen groups shaping policies at both domestic and internation levels. Recent global challenges such as financial crises, pandemics and climate change have further intensified discussions on global governance.

China’s emergence as an economic powerhouse and its accession to the World Trade Organization in the early 21st century marked a significant milestone in multilateral economic relations. As a rising global power, China has gradually integrated into formal and informal decision-making networks, enriching the global governance discourse with its perspectives. Internally, China has achieved remarkable success in poverty alleviation programs, lifting 850 million people out of poverty. This course explores China’s role in global environmental, financial and health governance.

However, China’s governance model characterized by one party rule under the communist party of China, is subject to critical scrutiny through Western lens, particularly regarding notions of democracy. A key focus of the course is the “China and the Rules-Based Order” analyzing Chinese and Western perspectives on international norms and governance frameworks. By examining China’s multifaceted engagement with global governance, students will gain insights into the evolving dynamics of international relations and complexities of global governance in the 21st century.