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 Chinas soft power, the main strengths and weaknesses of Chinas soft power, and the application of soft power in Chinas international politics. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the soft power dimension in Chinas 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 Chinas diplomatic practice, including softer rhetoric, promotion of the Chinese culture abroad, economic diplomacy, and image building. The book also argues that the limitations of Chinas soft power primarily stem from political values and Chinas own transitions, and reflects the reality that views and opinions regarding Chinas 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 Chinas 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