US-China relations: trade war and the quest for global hegemony

Lee, Pei May and Zulkefli, Nina Nurasyekin (2021) US-China relations: trade war and the quest for global hegemony. Journal of International Studies, 17. pp. 131-155. ISSN 1823-691X E-ISSN 2289-666X

	PDF (Article) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) | Request a copy
	PDF (Scopus) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (618kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This article attempts to provide an alternative perspective on the US-China trade war by integrating power transition theory and the concept of soft power in examining the nature of the trade war and conditions that fuelled it. The discussion also includes the possibility of the emergence of a new global order led by China beyond the trade war. This study used a qualitative approach by analysing primary and secondary sources such as speeches of representatives from both China and the US, books, journal articles, newspaper articles and research by both national and international organisations. The findings revealed that the main trigger of the trade war was not trade deficits or unfair practices, as other literature has suggested, but rather a desire by the US to prevent the decline of American hegemony. We argue that there are three reasons why China cannot form a new global order and replace the US as a global hegemon within the next decade. First, following the trade war, there is growing wariness about Chinese firms and investments, globally. Second, China’s soft power is relatively ineffective, and its culture less appealing to Third World countries as compared to the US’s. Finally, unlike the US, China does not have a strong and expansive network of allies supporting its quest for global leadership.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	9318/95553
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Power transition, hegemony, new global order, US-China trade war, soft power.
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science
Depositing User:	Dr Pei May Lee
Date Deposited:	28 Dec 2021 16:25
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2022 08:23
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/95553

Actions (login required)

View Item