China Politics & Economics to 2049
Class Platform: Paradise Campus
Day/Time: Tuesday, 9 - 10:45 AM, February 2 - April 13, *10 week class*
Class Description: China has been in the news a lot in recent years—but how can we make sense of what is going on? Look beyond the headlines to explain the strategies China is following. Chinese President Xi Jinping has set ambitious national goals for 2049 when China will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. To achieve these goals, he is promoting comprehensive strategies to make China stronger economically, militarily, and
politically. The success of these strategies will determine if China achieves its bold objectives and if Xi Jinping gains recognition as the most important leader in the history of the Chinese Communist Party since Chairman Mao. Conversely, the failure of these strategies would be a setback for the Communist Party that could undermine its hold on power and lead to social instability. Weekly classes will review China’s national goals for 2049 and the strategies employed to achieve them. The success of these strategies would make the “China Model” of authoritarian governance more attractive internationally and possibly allow China to become the number one superpower and global hegemon by 2049.
Instructor Biographies: Todd Rutley has had a lifelong interest in economics, politics, world history, and international relations. Rutley joined OLLI at UNLV in 2018 after a 30-year career in investment management. He has a B.A. in political science, M.A. in economics, MBA in finance, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
