The Myth of China''s Soft Power
Date Issued
2007
Date
2007
Author(s)
Wu, Yu-Tsang
Abstract
This study is based on analyzing English and Chinese literatures relating to the topic “China’s soft power.” What I found can be illustrated by three main arguments:irst,due to its vague connotation of the word--soft power, it is hardly to say that soft power is a good social science concept. Actually, it contains Nye’s strong personal value, which makes the normative meaning of soft power theory is far greater than its empirical part. In other words, using “soft power” as an analytical concept only makes our sense confused.econd,“China’s soft power” is not an academic topic but a political issue. China’s leaders have transformed “soft power” as a language of political correctness. The so called “promoting China’s soft power” is essentially a political movement. It is cultivated by China’s high level officials, and the main purpose of this movement is to keep the whole society in a stable condition.hird, no matter in Chinese or English literatures, there is almost no one has a unanimous understanding on “what is China’s soft power.” In terms of the context of these literatures, China’s soft power can be equate to China’s culture or international influence. In fact, especially in Chinese literatures, “China’s soft power” can be anything.n sum, the contribution of the concept “soft power” is far less than its flaws. If we want to make a study of China’s growing international influences, foreign behaviors, strategic transformation, policy instruments, etc., the best way is to throw soft power away, and develop a new analytical concept.
Subjects
soft power
China’s soft power
myth
ideology
culture
Type
thesis
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