The aim of this course is to introduce students to the contemporary challenges surronding China’s role in world affairs. From imperial legacies to socialist transformation, from global trade integration to technological competition, China’s rise cannot be understood through simplistic or exceptionalist narratives. Rather than treating China as a unique or isolated case, this course examines China as a global actor embedded in—and reshaping—the international system. The course situates China within broader debates in International Relations (IR), exploring how global forces have shaped China’s political, economic, and social transformations, and how China in turn is contributing to redefining global governance, power relations and global value chains. Particular attention is given to the concept of “Global China”, understood as the outward projection of Chinese economic, political, and technological influence across regions and sectors. Students will engage with different theoretical perspectives and contemporary policy debates to critically assess China’s role in the world.

None. This is an elective course designed to be valuable both to those with no background in the study of China and to those who wish to deepen an existing knowledge of China.

Introduction: What is Global China? China and International Relations Theory Historical Foundations of China’s Global Role Reform and Opening Up China in the World Economy China and Global Governance China’s diplomatic strategy Security and Military modernization China's STI system (Science, Technology & Innovation) The International Relations of East Asia China and the Global South Taiwan and the Semiconductor industry

Readings: 1) Ivan Franceschini and Nicholas Loubere, Global China as a Method, Cambridge University Press, 2022. 2) Lee Jones and Shahar Hameiri, Fractured China. How State Transformation is shaping China's rise, Cambridge University Press, 2021 (selected chapters) 3) Sources available on MyLuiss (readings, and government documents, videos & podcasts) Additional recommended readings: 1) Jilin Xu, Rethinking China's Rise (edited and translated by David Ownby), Cambridge University Press, 2018 2) William Callahan, China: The Pessoptimist Nation, Oxford University Press, 2009.

Lectures on campus; case study discussion; guest lectures by experts/invited speakers

Midterm exam: – 30% of the final grade Final Exam – 70% of the final grade

Strong interest about Chinese domestic politics, China’s economic development, China’s role in Global Affairs.