A Hesitant Hegemon: Layers of China’s Contemporary Security Policy

Stekić, Nenad (2023) A Hesitant Hegemon: Layers of China’s Contemporary Security Policy. Institute of International Politics and Economics, Belgrade. ISBN 978-86-7067-318-2

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Abstract

The book titled “A Hesitant Hegemon: Layers of China’s Contemporary Security Policy” delves into the intricate dynamics of China’s role in international relations, particularly its security policy in the post-pandemic era. It addresses three core questions: Is the People’s Republic of China (PRC) a hesitant hegemon in global affairs? What variables underlie this claim? Can the seemingly contradictory term “hesitant hegemon” aptly describe China’s pursuit of global influence? Through a multidimensional analysis, the book explores China’s evolving security policy by examining its layers, which encompass spatial- hierarchical, functional, and institutional dimensions. This innovative approach reveals China’s complex decision-making process and the factors influencing its behaviour on the global stage. The book’s central thesis posits that China, despite its superpower status, remains hesitant to assert complete dominance across various domains. This hesitation is key to understanding China’s position within the evolving global security landscape. The analysis seeks to uncover the reasons behind China’s hesitancy and provide substantiated insights into its assertiveness, or lack thereof. Structured into five thematic chapters, the book offers a comprehensive study of China’s security policy. Chapter I: Theoretical Foundations and Grand Strategy The first chapter explores the theoretical underpinnings of China’s global ascent and its evolving security policy. It introduces the concept of sequencing China’s security policy layers, encompassing the hierarchical, functional, and institutional dimensions. The chapter examines China’s peaceful development as a response to global security challenges and places it within the context of grand strategy, using the Hegemonic Stability Theory. The role of historical Chinese political thought and its influence on current policy are also examined. Chapter II: Evolution of China’s Grand Strategy This chapter traces the evolution of China’s global agenda through its four main grand strategies. It discusses China’s philosophical foundations, emphasising Confucianism and Taoism and their impact on its worldview. The chapter delves into each Grand Strategy period, from internal consolidation to economic reforms and proactive global engagement. It also anticipates the potential Fifth Grand Strategy in the post-pandemic era. Chapter III: Layers of China’s Security Policy Chapter III dissects China’s contemporary security policy through its layers, categorising them as spatial-hierarchical, functional, and institutional. Spatial layers involve China’s regional security approaches, such as its East Asian Policy and the Belt and Road Initiative’s security component. Functional layers examine China’s responses to international crises, including the Indo-Pacific security context, its role in mediating conflicts, technological advancements, and the arms trade. Institutional layers delve into China’s decision-making structure and its engagement in international organisations. Chapter IV: The US Perspective on China’s Security Policy This chapter focuses on the Pentagon’s perspective on China’s security policy, highlighting areas of concern and potential conflict. It analyses the evolution of the US perception of China’s global rise and its implications for international security. The chapter also explores China’s perception of the United States, as evidenced by its published documents critiquing American foreign and security policies. Chapter V: Scenarios for China’s Future The concluding chapter outlines three potential scenarios for China’s future assertiveness: maintaining the status quo, evolving into a more assertive global power, or even becoming a unipolar power akin to the United States. It draws on insights from the previous chapters to develop these scenarios and provides a synthesised view of the likely trajectory of China’s security policy. Innovative in its approach, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s security policy, delving into various layers to understand its motivations and complexities. It offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and the general public seeking to comprehend China’s evolving role in the global order. The book’s rigorous research methodology, incorporation of primary sources, and emphasis on theoretical frameworks contribute to its significance in the fields of international relations and Chinese Studies.

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