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Soft Power, Economic Competition, and US-China Comparison

Nabila Jaffer’s (2024) article, Chinese Soft Power and American Exceptionalism: A Comparative Analysis in the Global Context, offers a nuanced comparative study that juxtaposes the normative claims and cultural narratives underpinning American exceptionalism with China’s emergent soft power strategy. By drawing on Joseph Nye’s soft power theory, Jaffer interrogates the cultural, economic, political, and social dimensions that not only define each nation’s international influence but also reveal the inherent contradictions within these paradigms.

Cultural Aspects and Implications

Jaffer (2024) critically examines how American exceptionalism is deeply intertwined with cultural narratives such as the “City upon a Hill” and manifest destiny. These mythic elements have historically justified U.S. expansionism and its claim to global leadership, projecting an image of superiority rooted in liberty, egalitarianism, and democracy (Paul, 2014; Lipset, 2014). In contrast, China’s soft power is presented as less rooted in cultural flamboyance and more in its pragmatic approach to economic diplomacy and cultural engagement. While China leverages cultural institutions—such as Confucius Institutes—and promotes its historical narratives to foster global goodwill, its approach remains largely top-down and government-centric, which, as Jaffer argues, undermines its organic cultural appeal (Akdağ, 2022; Nye Jr., 2015). This dichotomy raises important questions about the sustainability of soft power strategies when cultural narratives are contested by historical and political legacies.

Economic Dimensions

Economically, the article illustrates that China’s rise is not only a challenge to U.S. hegemonic norms but also a reconfiguration of global economic diplomacy. Chinese economic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), serve as vital instruments in enhancing its soft power by establishing win–win partnerships and promoting a model of shared development (Carminati, 2020). Jaffer (2024) highlights that while American exceptionalism is bolstered by economic prosperity and technological leadership, its soft power is also encumbered by domestic inequalities and historical contradictions (Hannah-Jones, 2019). The economic leverage that China wields, particularly in developing regions, contrasts sharply with the U.S. reliance on cultural exports (e.g., Hollywood, top-ranked universities) and underscores a strategic shift where economic clout increasingly defines international influence (Liang, 2012; Zhao, 2016).

Political Considerations

Politically, the paper delves into how American exceptionalism has been used to legitimize U.S. foreign policy and military interventions under the guise of spreading democracy and protecting human rights (Nye Jr., 2018). However, Jaffer (2024) also documents the inherent contradictions in this approach—where the U.S. simultaneously champions liberal ideals while engaging in practices that contradict those very principles, such as racial discrimination and selective interventionism (Walt, 2011; Lipset, 1996). In contrast, China’s soft power strategy emphasizes non-interference and mutual respect, although it too faces criticism for its government-controlled, and sometimes opaque, projection of cultural influence (Herbert et al., 2021). This comparative analysis illuminates how both nations use normative arguments to secure their positions in global governance, yet each faces political challenges that question the universality of their ideals.

Social Implications

On a social level, Jaffer’s analysis reveals the impact of these competing narratives on global public opinion and identity. American exceptionalism, with its promise of freedom and opportunity, has historically attracted diverse populations but has also led to social stratification and internal contradictions regarding equality (Hannah-Jones, 2019). Meanwhile, China’s approach—centered on economic partnership and peaceful development—resonates well in many developing countries, contributing to a more favorable image among emerging markets (Silver et al., 2019). However, the article also notes that China’s cultural soft power is hampered by perceptions of inauthenticity and a lack of grassroots cultural engagement, which may limit its ability to reshape global narratives in the long term (Akdağ, 2022).

Integration with Scholarly Literature

Jaffer’s work contributes to a broader scholarly discourse by bridging debates on soft power, cultural diplomacy, and global hegemony. It aligns with Nye’s (2008, 2015) foundational theories of soft power while also engaging with critiques of American exceptionalism (Paul, 2014; Lipset, 1996). Additionally, the analysis resonates with recent studies on China’s economic diplomacy and its implications for global power shifts (Carminati, 2020; Liang, 2012; Zhao, 2016). By comparing two distinct yet interrelated paradigms of influence, the article invites further inquiry into how material strength and normative appeal interact in shaping international relations.

Conclusion

In sum, Jaffer’s (2024) article provides a rich, multidimensional analysis of how American exceptionalism and Chinese soft power operate as competing frameworks for global influence. The study’s exploration of cultural, economic, political, and social dimensions reveals that while both nations derive power from their distinct narratives and strategies, inherent contradictions and contextual challenges complicate their effectiveness. This comparative approach not only deepens our understanding of global hegemony in the current geopolitical climate but also highlights the evolving nature of soft power in an increasingly interconnected world.


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[Edited by Pablo Markin. The initial draft has been generated using ChatGPT, OpenAI (February 15, 2025).]


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Pablo Markin (February 15, 2025). Soft Power, Economic Competition, and US-China Comparison. Open Economics Blog. Retrieved March 24, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/13boo


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