*The course Understanding Chinese Politics was offered to CSIS staff and interns in July of 2014. Lectures were given by Christopher K. Johnson, Bonnie Glaser and Matthew Goodman as described by the topics below. Supplemental materials have been included with this iTunes U course for additional context and knowledge.

China’s Domestic Politics: Chris Johnson, CSIS Senior Adviser and Freeman Chair in China Studies, analyzes Chinese President Xi Jinping’s rapid consolidation of power and its implications for China’s ambitious domestic reforms. Johnson will also discuss the many tools Xi has used to develop a defined political strategy of intimidation for managing opposition to the reform push. The session will highlight Xi’s campaign to target extravagance and corruption within the Chinese Communist Party’s ranks by specifically addressing the recent attempt to take down Xu Caihou, a senior CCP figure.

Chinese Foreign Policy: This session, led by Bonnie Glaser, CSIS Senior Adviser for Asia, Freeman Chair in China Studies and Senior Associate with Pacific Forum, will discuss recent developments and trends in Chinese Foreign Policy, focusing on several of the larger issues: China’s “peaceful rise,” China’s ideal role for the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific, Chinese perspectives on the post-World War II international framework and China’s relationship with its neighbors.

Chinese Economics: Matthew Goodman, CSIS William E. Simon Chair in Political Economy and Senior Adviser for Asian Economics will discuss China’s rapid economic growth over the past 30 years due to a combination of smart politics and favorable economics. This session will address how China’s old growth model is running out of steam and its policymakers are facing a host of new challenges, from severe environmental degradation to rising inequality. Against this backdrop, Goodman explores whether or not China’s leaders and institutions have what it takes to transition the country towards a new, more sustainable model of economic growth.