Dynamic Balancing: China's balancing strategies towards the United States, 1949-2005

Author: He, Kai

Source: Journal of Contemporary China, Volume 18, Number 58, January 2009 , pp. 113-136(24)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This paper occupies a middle ground in the debate between regional area specialists in foreign policy analysis and international relations theorists in international studies. Based on balance of power and balance of threat theories, a 'dynamic balancing' model is introduced to explain states' foreign policy strategies. Its claims are: (1) the polarity of the international system shapes whether a state's strategic choices should be balancing with external efforts or balancing with internal efforts; (2) leaders' perceptions of external threats determine when and how a state pursues different balancing strategies. The application of the dynamic balancing model to China's balancing strategies towards the United States suggests that the future of Sino-American relations depends on the strategic interactions and mutual threat perceptions between the two nations.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10670560802431701

Publication date: 2009-01-01

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