Zhao Gang( 趙剛), PhD candidate, Wuhan University.

Seminar topic: “Soft Power” in the Age of Globalization and China’s Policies

Abstract

Today’s world is increasingly developing into a multi-polar one with swift economic globalization, scientific and technological innovation, and intensifying international competition over comprehensive national power. “Soft power” is an important component of comprehensive national power. The soft power of a country rests primarily on three resources: culture, ideology or political values, and ability to shape international rules and political agendas. It is a very important theoretical approach to analyzing the power position of a country in the world. The competition over soft power is playing a increasingly important role in the evolution of international relations. By focusing on the concept, characteristics, content and reality, this presentation will explore “soft power” theories in international relations and prominent issues in “peaceful rise” of China.