Lexington Books Soft Power: China's Emerging Strategy in International Politics

Soft power has become a very popular concept in international affairs, appearing in government policy papers, academic discussions, and the popular media. In China, soft power has become one of the most frequently used phrases among political leaders, leading academics, and journalists. Defined against hard power, which often involves threat and coercion, soft power applies attraction, persuasion, and cooperation, finding its sources in culture, political values, and foreign policies. China, rich in culture and traditional philosophy, boasts abundant sources of soft power. Soft Power attempts to analyze the domestic and international views of China's soft power, the main strengths and weaknesses of China's soft power, and the application of soft power in China's international politics. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the soft power dimension in China's foreign relations by integrating views from various disciplines, such as history, education, culture, political economy, comparative politics, and philosophy. The book argues that soft power has become a very popular concept in China, that China is contemplating and exploring an innovative strategy in its rise and international politics, and that there have been quite a few notable elements of this in China's diplomatic practice, including softer rhetoric, promotion of the Chinese culture abroad, economic diplomacy, and image building. The book also argues that the limitations of China's soft power primarily stem from political values and China's own transitions, and reflects the reality that views and opinions regarding China's soft power are fairly diverse both in China and in the international arena. Soft power is a useful and important perspective by which to understand Chinese foreign policy and the future evolution of China's role in international politics. This study is a pioneering work, providing a new perspective for the study of Chinese foreign policy and the rise of China that will appeal to scholars of Chinese foreign policy Review Looking critically and carefully at the concept "soft power," this book pulls together the views of leading scholars to show the ways in which China can--and cannot--exercise soft power as it rises in Asia and the world. This is a really smart take on a complicated topic. Highly recommended.--Joseph Fewsmith, Boston University Soft Power takes on one of the most important questions of this century: What is China's rightful place in the international system? This edited volume brings together essays by highly knowledgeable scholars, addressing key issues of China's emerging soft power. The contributors identify sources and constraints of China's soft power, while showing how China has perceived its soft power and how China's soft power has been perceived by other powers in Asia. It provides a unique angle to look into China's rise and its consequences.--Zheng Yongnian, director, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, director, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore This is the first systematic and scholarly evaluation of China's soft power--it is an informed and nuanced corrective to previous sensationalistic journalistic assessments. It is recommended reading for all interested in this important dimension of China's rise in world affairs.--David Shambaugh, The George Washington University and The Brookings Institution About the Author Mingjiang Li is assistant professor and coordinator of both the China Program and the Master of Science program in Asian studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.