Chinas soft power【a cute panda or a threatening dragon】.ppt

Chinas soft power: a cute panda or a threatening dragon? Issues in Chinese Foreign Policy University of Turku 13-15 October 2008 Mario Esteban Centre for East Asia Studies Autonomous University of Madrid Definition of soft power Soft power is the ability to shape what others want through attraction, not through coercion. The attractiveness of ones culture and the mastery of institutions and information technologies to disseminate persuasive information is linked to soft power. Why soft power matters This concept was coined in the late 1980s in a context of rising costs and diminishing utility of military force. Soft power has became essential to promote the international status of the States. Close relationship between soft power, perceptions and actions. For a domestic audience: the bigger Chinas soft power, the higher the legitimacy of the PRC. How China wants to be perceived Soft power requires the projection of an attractive and friendly image: A champion for the developing world in international organizations. A model for the developing world (Beijing consensus vs. Washington consensus). As a central actor in a multi-polar world. As an ancient and vigorous civilization. Means for the projection of Chinas soft power Visits of Chinese authorities. Very active agenda. State media. Service in six languages. Active cultural and education diplomacy. Scholarships for studying in China. Confucius Institute (150 around the globe). Organization of international events. Strong points of Chinas soft power Coherent rhetoric. Traditional culture: inventions, philosophy, fine arts, martial arts. Language: 100 million students of Mandarin in 2010. Chinese diaspora. Economic success. Weak points of Chinas soft power Authoritarian regime--) lack of credibility. Repression of Human Rights. Corruption. Close links with repressive regimes. Loose business ethics: quality standards. Limited circulation of Chinas pop culture. Does China have an image probl