Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Limits of Chinese Soft Power!

International Relations

- Chinas hard powers might scare its neighbors (strong economy, strong military), a
smart diplomatic strategy is needed!

Its leader and the former leader both stressed on the point!
Sending money as an aid to Asian countries that are enrolled in Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank!

- Was not so successful!

- Reputation was better in the Latin Americas!
- In the Latin Americas, China has its popularity partly undermined by its act of
importing labours from the region!

- Three resources of soft power:!

Political value: agreeing with the international convention!
Culture: appeal to the international community!
Foreign policy: relationship with fellow states!
China focused mostly on culture and economic development, rather than political
values !

- Factors limiting Chinas soft power:!

Nationalism: China enforces some of its influence based on nationalism!
- Brain-washing citizens in neighbouring countries with Chinese culture!
- Reduces international appeal to Chinese national and foreign policies!
- Results in anti-Chinese protests in Vietnam (after the positioning of an oil rig on a
water owned by both countries)!

Reluctance to allow freedom of of press/speech or, uncensored civil society!

- Strong belief in that government is the source of power!
- Ambitious effort to compete with CNN and BBC on communication media !
Unsuccessful propaganda that does not fit the taste of international audience!
Lack of factors that make the US successful in terms of soft power!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Violation of human rights!

- Imprisonment of Liu Xiaobo!
- Factors making US successful !
Civil society (the culture itself is appealing)!
- Universities!
- Hollywood!
- Pop culture!
Critical and uncensored reaction after condemned actions had been done!
- Response to the US invasion of Iraq!
- Potential and recommendations!
Potential:!
- Strong economy!
- Admired traditional culture, ideology!
Recommendation:!
- Learn to accept criticism!