China and international order at the new frontiers

In the 21st century China’s global reach, the most expansive in its history, is revealing new patterns of international engagement that fundamentally question the future direction of international order. 

It is at the “new frontiers” such as the deep sea, the polar regions, and outer space where international rules have yet to be fully codified, and where China’s ambition to become a global power is evolving in highly complex, yet distinct ways. A leading question is the degree to which China can play a stabilising role across the global commons at a time of great power competition and growing tensions over its techno-nationalist modernisation drive.

This seminar will begin with a general overview of the current challenges involved in governing the global commons from an International Relations perspective. At the macro level, I shall then compare the Chinese approach towards the deep sea, the polar regions, and outer space to identify the key drivers behind China’s current strategy. 

A central focus will be upon China’s space programme, addressing the interplay between scientific and technological advances, geostrategic ambition, and global public goods.