FROM SOFT TO SHARP – A CASE STUDY ON CHINA’S AUTHORITARIAN INFLUENCE

Abstract

In recent years, China’s influence in the world has taken a more assertive and authoritarian stance. We have argued that Portland’s Soft Power 30 Index, one of the most recognized tools to evaluate and measure soft power, is distorted by Western interpretation of the concept and is affecting China’s performance as well as authoritarian regimes’ possible attractiveness and influence. Reducing China’s public diplomacy successes by its soft power, scholars and practitioners neglect to value the growing influence the consolidation of soft power and sharp power resources are yielding for the PCC. Through an examination of Beijing’s recent uses of soft power resources into sharp power including cultural, educational, enterprises, engagement, digital, and governmental initiatives, this major research paper (MRP) presents a case study on China’s authoritarian influence and an analysis on China’s recent shift of foreign policy to a sharper approach. By providing a deeper understanding of the literature on soft power and identifying sharp power as a complementary influence tool, this research has helped demystify China’s authoritarian influence and has conclude it is possible to observe a shift in China’s outward facing policy and increase in authoritarian influence.