Example international political economy dissertation topic 9:

China: An untameable menace to the West?

The West has wielded economic, cultural and military power over the rest of the world since the 18th century; this dissertation seeks to explore how China will exercise the same power over the coming centuries, and how the West will react to such a reversal in fortune. China’s continuing ideology of Communism threatens the posturing of Western democracies; her population dwarfs that of Western countries; and, in 2013 she overtook the United States with regard to trade. Addressing these three varied points, this is a dissertation that looks not only at China’s potential role but also pays especial attention to Russian-Sino relations.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Breslin, S. (2009). ‘Understanding China’s regional rise: Interpretations, identities and implications’. International Affairs, vol. 85(4), pp. 817-835.
• Deng, Y. (2008). China’s struggle for status: The realignment of international relations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Ikenberry, G.J. (2008). ‘Rise of China and the future of the West: Can the liberal system survive. Foreign Affairs, vol. 87, pp. 23-28.