Lifelong Learning Program: Class 4 China: Friend or Foe?

The U.S. and China are engaged in the most important bilateral relationship in the world. But what is the nature of that relationship? As the world's two largest economies move further into the 21st century, what path is their engagement likely to follow? We will begin by looking at China's history in order to better understand her current motivations and goals. We will then review China's remarkable development over the past 30 years and compare it to the U.S.'s experience over the same period. Today, with both countries seemingly at an inflection point, we will examine how political, economic and demographic dynamics appear to be shaping each country's future. Finally, based on our foregoing discussion, we will try to better understand the recent and deeply worrying diplomatic and military flashpoints that are so often in the news.