China's Global Governance and Peaceful Rise
Component 1. Write a R4L report (350 to 500 words; that is, one single-spaced page).
Each report should include the bibliographic information of the assigned readings, an introduction to the author(s)’ background and their main field of study, a very short summary of the central argument, 1-3 specific examples (with proper citations) that you believe best illustrate the central argument, and a short note about your comment on how the article/book chapter fits in the topic we are learning during the week.
This is not an essay. You can adopt any writing style you would like as long as your readers can follow your report. If you go over or under the word count limit, revise your submission.
Grading: This component (5.5 points in total) is a customized Pass/Fail assignment. You will earn 5 points for each thoughtful report – that is, the report indicates you’ve engaged with the texts, and it includes specific evidence drawn from the readings.
I reserve .5 points to award the writer of a report with an exceptional performance.
I also reserve the right to deduct 1 point if the reports are of poor quality. For instance, the length of the report is under word count limit, or it does not include specific details from the readings. Do not simply say that “Author X is convincing” or that “this point is interesting.” Instead, explain what evidence drives you to think so, and in what way.
.5 points will be deducted if you submit the report late but prior to the corresponding Thursday discussion class. An additional 1 point will be deducted if you submit the report after the corresponding Thursday discussion class.
Professor’s Name
Course
Date
R4L Report 2
Reading 1
The author, Thomas Christensen, had the honor and privilege to work as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs between 2006 and 2008. This position gave him responsibility for policy toward China, Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Taiwan. In Chapter 5, he explores the challenges China has to grapple with while participating in global governance. According to the author, one fundamental challenge is that other countries expect China to contribute to the cost of sustaining the stability of the current international system (Christensen 125). They assume that because China is the most influential developing country in the world, it has the financial capacity to contribute more money toward global governance. However, this is a gross misconception since, as Chinese analysts and officials argue, the country’s GDP is significantly small compared to other great powers (Christensen 126).
Regarding climate change, the author intimates that both China and the United States acknowledge how difficult it is to sacrifice national interests at the expense of global objectives. In ensuring environmental safety, for instance, the two powerhouses find it almost impossible to make compromises to mitigate greenhouse emissions. One of the factors that make it increasingly difficult for the two countries to make tangible progress on the same is domestic politics (Christensen 147). However, the author is confident that the two countries, accounting for 40% of greenhouse emissions in the world, can cut a deal that can significantly impact climate change (Christensen 148). Several factors, including domestic ground-level pollution, would be pivotal in realizing such a crucial pact. Were the...