Courses

The US-China relationship is often described as the most important in the world. It’s also considered dangerously strained. According to many experts, the United States views China's military modernization, mercantilist policies, and authoritarian shift with mounting concern, while China sees US intervention in areas like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea as threats to its sovereignty and security. These divergent viewpoints have led the US-China relationship to a new low, creating fears that the two countries could spiral into conflict, barring effective policy changes. This is the current narrative. It turns out that this narrative is often exaggerated and, in some cases, wrong.

This course will examine the complex relationship between the United States and China, tracing its evolution from the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 to the present day. Through a critical analysis of the perceptions, priorities, and policies of both nations, the course will shed light on the underlying factors that have shaped this relationship over time. Understanding the historical context and nuances of this dynamic is crucial for effectively managing the relationship and mitigating potential challenges and conflicts moving forward. This course will examine four distinct periods in the history of US-China relations and conclude with a thought-provoking examination of the future trajectory of this critical global relationship.