The Potential of China’s Soft Power: Sustainable Value Creation Aimed at the World’s Elites
Type
work report
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Abstract
Soft power, the ability to influence others abroad by shaping their preferences, comes in two varieties that function in tandem. The soft power of Coca-Cola or Apple shapes the preferences of the general public. The second type of soft power targets the foreign elites and facilitates institutional change that can enable cross-border business models to thrive. Industries, such as energy, data and even overseas development aid, heavily depend on this form of soft power to shape the decision-making of elite individuals in nations around the world. This article focuses on the soft power that one country exercises over the elites of another country, a form of influence which is garnered on the international stage. China has consistently contributed more to global growth than any other economy. Its system has lifted more people out of poverty than any other country in human history. Moreover, China's transition from being a provider of cheap labor to becoming a significant exporter of capital and technology has been the fastest on record. However, despite these achievements, China's soft power influence punches below its weight. There is a decline in how public opinion across advanced economies regard China. At the same time, discussions about decoupling indicate that elites in foreign countries are skeptical or apprehensive about China's rise and the associated narrative.
Language
English (United States)
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
No
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Fuel-the-Soft-Power-The-Role-High-Tech-Companies-in-the-Soft-Power-Rivalry-between-China-US_ax.pdf
Size
547.65 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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