Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

King's College London

China-West Relations: Dilemmas and Lessons

King's College London via edX

Overview

Gain deeper insight into the complexities of China’s rise and its impact on global security in this thought-provoking course from King’s College London.

As China expands its influence within — and beyond — the Liberal International Order, Western governments, institutions, and civil societies face strategic dilemmas. This course offers a conceptual and case-based exploration of China’s foreign policy, strategic ambiguity, and the implications of its non-Western political culture.

Led by Professor Zeno Leoni, you’ll examine how China’s political philosophy and strategic behaviour diverge from Western norms, and how these differences create challenges for diplomacy, economic relations, and military engagement. Each unit presents a dilemma, explores an academic concept such as strategic ambiguity or decoupling, and applies it to real-world case studies like U.S.-China competition or military doctrine.

You’ll build your capacity to apply lateral thinking and critically assess security dilemmas — while learning lessons that extend far beyond China to global policy and strategic planning.

Syllabus

Unit 1: The Economy-Security Conundrum

Explore the dilemmas facing Western economic and security policies on China.

Unit 2: Strategic Ambiguity

Examine China’s use of ambiguity and its implications for international security.

Unit 3: Short-Term and Long-Term Interests

Evaluate long-term strategic thinking through the lens of China’s rise.

Unit 4: What China Wants

Unpack Chinese strategic goals and their relation to global norms.

Unit 5: China’s Expansionism and Alliances

Assess China’s military doctrine, alliances, and new Cold War narratives.

Taught by

Zeno Leoni

Reviews

Start your review of China-West Relations: Dilemmas and Lessons

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.