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: Hardback
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.

It is important to note that electoral autocracies are not the only type of regime that China engages with globally. However, they are the most prevalent, and therefore, they play a crucial role in China's global ambitions. By partnering with these regimes, China can leverage their political stability, economic resources, and access to infrastructure to further its own interests and expand its influence in the world.

One of the key ways in which China is acquiring global influence is through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect China with countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and power plants. The project has attracted significant investment from China and has helped to build infrastructure and boost economic growth in many recipient countries.

However, the BRI has also been criticized for its environmental impact, its reliance on Chinese labor and materials, and its potential to exacerbate existing inequalities. Critics argue that the BRI is a tool for China to extend its political and economic influence, rather than a genuine effort to promote development and cooperation.

Another aspect of China's global influence is its military modernization program. China has invested heavily in its military capabilities, including the development of advanced weapons systems, aircraft carriers, and nuclear missiles. This has led to concerns about China's military ambitions and its potential to challenge the established order in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite these challenges, China's rise to global influence is undeniable. Its economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships have made it a major player on the international stage. China's ability to adapt to changing global conditions and its willingness to engage with a wide range of countries and regimes have contributed to its success.

As China continues to expand its global influence, it will be important for policymakers and international actors to carefully consider the interests of both China and recipient countries. This will require a nuanced and multifaceted approach that takes into account a range of political, economic, and social factors.

In conclusion, China's rise to global influence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a range of factors, including its economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships. While China's interests are important to consider, it is equally important to examine the interests of recipient countries and to engage with China in a way that promotes mutual benefit and stability. By doing so, we can help to ensure that China's rise to global influence is a positive force for the world.

China's Acquisition of Global Influence

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.

It is important to note that electoral autocracies are not the only type of regime that China engages with globally. However, they are the most prevalent, and therefore, they play a crucial role in China's global ambitions. By partnering with these regimes, China can leverage their political stability, economic resources, and access to infrastructure to further its own interests and expand its influence in the world.

One of the key ways in which China is acquiring global influence is through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect China with countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and power plants. The project has attracted significant investment from China and has helped to build infrastructure and boost economic growth in many recipient countries.

However, the BRI has also been criticized for its environmental impact, its reliance on Chinese labor and materials, and its potential to exacerbate existing inequalities. Critics argue that the BRI is a tool for China to extend its political and economic influence, rather than a genuine effort to promote development and cooperation.

Another aspect of China's global influence is its military modernization program. China has invested heavily in its military capabilities, including the development of advanced weapons systems, aircraft carriers, and nuclear missiles. This has led to concerns about China's military ambitions and its potential to challenge the established order in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite these challenges, China's rise to global influence is undeniable. Its economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships have made it a major player on the international stage. China's ability to adapt to changing global conditions and its willingness to engage with a wide range of countries and regimes have contributed to its success.

As China continues to expand its global influence, it will be important for policymakers and international actors to carefully consider the interests of both China and recipient countries. This will require a nuanced and multifaceted approach that takes into account a range of political, economic, and social factors.

In conclusion, China's rise to global influence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a range of factors, including its economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships. While China's interests are important to consider, it is equally important to examine the interests of recipient countries and to engage with China in a way that promotes mutual benefit and stability. By doing so, we can help to ensure that China's rise to global influence is a positive force for the world.

ISBN-13: 9781009385886