From the civilization legacy to strategic autonomy in the shadow of Confucius

Abstract

This chapter examines how China has developed into a civilizational actor that heavily draws from its ancient traditions in addition to being a political and economic force. In contrast to Western powers’ historical reliance on military alliances and the dissemination of their ideologies, China’s global strategy is grounded in a deep civilizational memory rooted in Confucian ideals. China creates a model of strategic autonomy that blends cultural influence with economic involvement. Ideas like tianxia (all under heaven) and the historical tributary system are used to achieve this. According to this chapter, China’s ascent represents a fresh perspective on what it means to be a global power in the twenty-first century, in addition to posing a threat to Western dominance.