It would appear that globalization, as we recently knew it, is rapidly on the wane. The developed world is breaking up into three more tightly defined regions – Europe, the United States, and China – with the emerging markets fitting in as best they can. The United States we can at least pretend to understand. We are Americans. Europe we can also follow and hope to sort through. China is the big unknown and perhaps the key player in a prosperous global future. To an extent we are only now beginning to fully understand, China has become the “workshop of the world,” and we cannot thrive without it.
In this seminar, our discussions will focus upon trying to understand China a little better. What makes the Chinese tick? Are they interested in dominance, both geopolitical and technological? Do we understand the many areas of similarity between ourselves and the Chinese? Can we sort out a relationship that brings out some of the best in both of us? There is no easy answer to these questions. Our highest seminar outcome would be a guess, but at least it would be an educated one.
We will be assisted in our search by an insightful book entitled China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know (3rd edition) by Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom and Maura Elizabeth Cunningham. I will also provide several current articles on our economic relationships.
Class Recordings: