Date of Award
5-2021
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Political Science
Committee Chair(s)
Jeannie Johnson
Committee
Jeannie Johnson
Committee
Kerry Kartchner
Committee
Briana Bowen
Abstract
This research examines how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the United States and its strategic culture by applying the established Cultural Topography methodology to the question of diametric strategic culture in U.S.-China relations. Diametric strategic culture is introduced and defined as how one state’s strategic culture informs its view of another state’s strategic culture. In this case study, the goal is to determine how China views the strategic culture of the United States, particularly seeking to identify areas where Chinese strategic culture either shapes or influences its view of American strategic culture. The diametric strategic culture of Chinese leadership with regard to the United States will provide a critical augmentation of current understanding of China’s own strategic culture, specifically the perceptual lens through which it views the U.S. as a rival and incumbent power. This will highlight for U.S. policymakers what China perceives to be U.S. strategic vulnerabilities, as well as China’s potential capacity and intention to exploit those vulnerabilities.
The emphasis is on the current era since Xi Jinping came to power in 2013, which, alongside China’s growing expansion economically, politically, and militarily, has led to significant disagreement within the U.S. foreign policy zeitgeist as to how the Sino-American relationship should be approached. Reciprocally, China has been faced with the need to reevaluate its diplomatic and economic relationship with the United States. Far too often, U.S. policymakers either mischaracterize or fail to account for Chinese perceptions of the U.S. to formulate their decisions about the relationship. The policy-relevant revelations that are brought to light through examining China’s diametric strategic culture will be essential to informing U.S. policy in the relationship moving forward.
Recommended Citation
Tatton, Emily, "Diametric Strategic Culture Analysis of Xi Jinping's Chinese Communist Party Reveals its Perceptions of the United States and the U.S.-China Relationship" (2021). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1768.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1768
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