On Tuesday 5th May, Dr Kumuda Simpson, my friend and colleague from the Department of Politics and Philosophy at La Trobe University and I visited Star of the Sea College in Brighton, Victoria, to deliver a presentation on the exercise of power in the Asia-Pacific region to VCE Global Politics students.

The presentation focuses on the role of China and contrasts China’s foreign policy goals and strategy with those of the United States.  I explore six elements of Chinese strategy and foreign policy, including perpetuation of Chinese Communist Party rule, economic security, territorial integrity, maritime security, national unifications, and soft power.  Kumuda contrasts China with a discussion of element of US foreign policy, including its national values and interests, hard power capabilities, soft power, and other foreign policy assets.  The session concludes with a lively Q&A session featuring a number insightful questions from the student group.

DOWNLOAD: Presentation Slides – Ben and Kumuda @ SotSC

Kumuda and I would like to thank Bernadette Turner from Star of the Sea College for the invitation to visit the school and the wonderful student we engaged with for their great questions and warm welcome.