AIR204 - Great Power Relations
Unit details
| Year: | 2019 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Trimester 2 Unit Chair: | David Hundt |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | AIR205, AIR245 and AIR345 |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 1 hour class and 1 x 1 hour seminar per week |
| Scheduled learning activities - cloud (online): | 1 x 1 hour class per week (recordings provided) and 1 x 1- hour online seminar per week |
Content
International relations and world order are to a large extent defined and shaped by great power relations. In the 21st century no other great power relationship is more important and more complex than that between the United States and China, the two largest economies in the world. With the US and China as Australia’s strongest ally and its largest trading partner respectively, the stake is particularly high for Australia.
Will the U.S. and China be able to cooperate in confronting a raft of global challenges or will their competition lead to hegemonic conflict or even war?
Is the twenty-first century the American or Chinese Century?
To understand such pressing questions, this unit surveys the evolution, dynamics, opportunities, problems, and challenges of this fascinating and important bilateral relationship, as well as some common theoretical and analytical perspectives on great power relations more broadly.
Assessment
Assessment 1 - Essay (2000 words) - 50%
Assessment 2 - Exam - 50%