Living Law® China- from ancient empire to global superpower

Delve into the fascinating history of China, from its ancient philosophies to its modern global influence. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of China's past, present, and future, examining key periods and pivotal transformations.

Begin your journey in Imperial China, where we analyze the role of morality and ethics in shaping society. Discover how deeply ingrained societal shame served as a powerful deterrent against transgression. We'll contrast this with later systems emphasizing formal rules and laws, and the consequences of violating them – often involving financial or physical penalties. Understand the preference for ethical frameworks within Confucian China, while also recognizing the Imperial Court's occasional use of legalistic approaches.

Next, we investigate the profound impact of European arrival on China, particularly the tumultuous "century of shame." The course then transitions to the tumultuous period of the Chinese Civil War and the eventual victory of the Communists. We'll trace the complex evolution of communism in China, with a focus on periods of intense control over thought, expression, and daily life.

Explore China's dramatic shift towards a market economy, and how this model coexists with its Communist/socialist framework. The course examines the monumental significance of China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), a watershed moment that reshaped international trade and had far-reaching consequences globally.

Finally, we grapple with the implications of China's rise on the entire international trade legal order. Is China's "peaceful rise" the most significant geopolitical development of the 21st century? We'll consider the challenges and opportunities facing China and other nations in this rapidly evolving global landscape.