In 1949 Mao Zedong, a former library assistant, declared the creation of the people's Republic of China, a move that plunged the country into social and economic transformation. But how did this originate? Do remnants of his ideology still exist today? Where is China headed next? Should we be fearful or optimistic about what the future holds?

Join renowned China specialist, Oxford historian and regular BBC host, Rana Mitter, in this course as he explores China's Next Moves. Professor Mitter will chart a riveting course through Ancient Chinese History, Confucianism, WW2, Maoist doctrine and the modern CCP, offering his expert opinion on how these forces shape China today.

By the end of the course, you will have learned:

• The ideas that characterise Confucianism
• The impact of WW2 on China
• The forces that dictated the rise and fall of Maoism
• China's modern political ideology
• The challenges that China faces
• What our modern outlook on China should be

IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.