China's Chance to Lead: Acquiring Global Influence via Infrastructure Development and Digitalization

Electoral autocracies have a higher demand for Chinese infrastructure spending, which enables China to assert its dominance over the emerging digital economy. This is due to the greater control over the corporate sector and reliance on clientelism by political leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

China's rise to global influence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a range of factors. In this book, we take a broader perspective, examining not only China's interests but also the interests of recipient countries. Richard W. Carney, a renowned expert on China's foreign policy, argues that countries with a combination of clientelism and greater control over the corporate sector have a higher demand for Chinese infrastructure spending. Through a rigorous analysis of statistical data and case studies, Carney demonstrates that electoral autocracies, characterized by limited political competition, high levels of corruption, and limited civil liberties, exhibit these characteristics most prominently.

These electoral autocracies are the primary recipients of Chinese infrastructure investments, leading to increased imports of Chinese digital technologies. This, in turn, facilitates the spread of Chinese technical standards, enabling China to establish dominance in the emerging digital economy.

Understanding the dynamics between China and electoral autocracies is crucial for comprehending China's global ambitions. Electoral autocracies are the most prevalent type of regime globally, and China has strategically cultivated relationships with these countries to advance its interests. China's investments in infrastructure, technology, and finance have helped to develop these countries' economies, providing them with the resources and infrastructure they need to grow.

However, the relationship between China and electoral autocracies is not without its challenges. Critics argue that China's investments can lead to increased corruption, human rights abuses, and political instability in recipient countries. China's authoritarian model of governance, which prioritizes state control over individual rights and freedoms, has also raised concerns about the potential for Chinese influence to undermine democratic values and institutions.

Despite these challenges, China's global influence continues to grow. China's economic and technological advancements have made it a major player in the global economy, and its investments in infrastructure and digital technologies have helped to connect countries around the world. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to promote economic development and connectivity through infrastructure investments in Asia, Africa, and Europe, has received significant attention and support from many countries.

In conclusion, China's rise to global influence is driven by a range of factors, including its economic and technological capabilities, its strategic relationships with recipient countries, and its authoritarian model of governance. While China's investments have brought benefits to many countries, they have also raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the erosion of democratic values. As China continues to play a more significant role in the global economy and politics, it will be important for policymakers and citizens to carefully consider the implications of China's rise and to work towards promoting a more equitable and sustainable global order.

ISBN-13: 9781009385855