The ‘Chinese Rise’ to the Neo-Realists

Summary

This study provides a theoretical reading of the issue of the ‘Chinese rise’ as viewed by most theoretical approaches with respect to the international relations, i.e. the neo-classical realism, based on a scientific conviction that argues that it is impossible to explain the behavior of major international actors without the use of a guiding theory, as well as predicting the path that such behavior will take in the future.

The neo-realists assume and argue that the Chinese rise will not be a peaceful rise at all. This study focuses on the theoretical premises that made the neo-realists reach this conclusion, through discussing three interconnected questions:

– Will China’s rise be peaceful?

–  Is China a regional power or a global power?

– Will the rising China maintain the current international system or it will seek to change it as a revolutionary force?