Great power politics is an enduring feature of world politics. This course will critically analyse the theoretical, conceptual and historical perspectives on the drivers and dynamics of great power politics. It will examine the concept of ‘great power’, the motivations of great power statecraft and behaviour, the roles and responsibilities of great powers, and their impact on regional and global order. The empirical focus will be centred on US-China great power politics, arguably the most consequential bilateral relationship in contemporary world politics. The course will examine the evolution of the US-China relationship, their great power ambitions and strategies, the intensifying politics of hegemonic ordering, and the implications of US-China great power politics for global order.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically assess key theoretical and conceptual debates on great power politics
- Apply theories, concepts and history to analyse evolving US-China great power politics
- Evaluate the implications of US-China great power politics for contemporary global order
- Develop strong written and oral skills for discussing and analysing great power politics
- Conduct independent research and write cogent analytical essays
Indicative Assessment
- Essay Outline (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Seminar Presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Policy Paper (20) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Research Essay (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study and assessment time.
Please note that this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
To be advised.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.