1. China's Rise to Power

After reading, "China vs. the U.S.: The case for second place", examine how China's rise to power compares to other cases in which a rising nation has challenged an existing superpower, such as the American challenge to British hegemony a century ago. Describe the political obstacles that China may face in integrating with an international order that has been dominated by western democracies. Evaluate whether the U.S. should attempt to contain China's rise through containment or engagement.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

To successfully complete this week's discussion, "China's Rise to Power", read the following article:

Kenny, C. (2011, October 17). China vs. the U.S.: The case for second place. Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/china-vs-the-us-the-case-for-second-place-10132011.html?chan=magazine%20channel_opening%20remarks

2. Social Stratification Systems: Caste vs. Class

India's caste system, in which there are four major castes, or varnas, is a social construct that is ascribed and immutable: people are born into this system and cannot move between castes. In American society, class systems, of which there are five, are social rankings based largely on economic position. In America, unlike India, one can transcend class through economic or social success. After reading "Overlapping identities under liberalization: Gender and case in India," assess whether or not an individual can transcend class in the United States.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.