Russia-Chinese relations since 1989

What is the course about?

The course serves as an introdudction to the study of great power politics. We will discuss Sino-russian relations from the end of the Cold War to the present day.

The appeal of this topic has created numerous schools of thought amongst academics, focusing on different aspects of the relationsship.

As such, the course will therefore discuss the historcal developments in the two states' relations, the areas of cooperation, covering the political, economic (including energy), and the shared world views that have forged this relationship as well as its implications for the international system.

We will also think about the idea of power and interstate cooperation by analysing historical and contemporary important events in the relationship as it has evolved after the end of the Cold War.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- The rapproachment between China and Russia and the consolidation of their comprehensive strategic partnership since the end of the Cold War
- How international events have impacted on the relationship between the two states
- Sino-Russian considerations of a multipolar world
- China and Russia's areas of cooperation and points of friction
- The views of the US and the rest of the world on Sino-Russian relations
- Sino-Russian collaboration in international institutions and regional projects (Belt and Road Initiative and EAEU)
- China and Russia's misinformation campaigns.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- locate the origins and main areas of cooperation between China and Russia
- critically assess how Sino-Russian relations influence the international system
- evaluate the potential direction of their relationship and its wider implications.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge is required as the course is introduction. An interest in international politics may prove helpful but is not required, everyone is welcome. As with most of our history and politics courses, an open mind and willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific level of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

A mixture of lectures/presentations by the tutor, Q & A, quizzes, pair/group work, and class discussions. A list of articles with indicated weekly readings will be shared at the start of the course. Also, a series of podcasts, policy papers and official Chinese and Russian statements will be discussed and analysed throughout the course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for note taking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HWH101 Chinese history taster: the Republican (1912-1949) and Communist (post 1949) Eras
HWH102 The Search for modern China: the Republicand (1912-1949) and Communist (post 1949) Eras
HPC36 A taste of politics
HPC46 More current affairs
HPC107 Global issues: conflict
HPC140: Ideals, principles and myths: Making sense of political ideology.