Chinese Soft Power: Towards a Pacifist Vision of Power

The concept of power has traditionally occupied a central place in the analysis of international relations, both theoretically and politically, as a crucial concept for understanding the behavior of international actors. The concept of soft power is not a Chinese invention but an American one, developed by Joseph Nye in the late 1980s. However, the changes in the international system brought about by bipolarity have accelerated and reinforced the emergence of a new form of power as opposed to hard power. In this globalized, conflict-ridden international system, this article examines the challenges of Chinese soft power, the strategy China uses to advance its policies, and the answers to the question of whether Chinese policies will lead to a redefinition of power. Through an in-depth analysis of China’s strategies and influence on the international stage, we attempt to shed light on the American vision of supremacy, which is quite different from China’s stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This approach allows China to present itself as a respectful partner that attracts nations that might otherwise be reluctant to accept Western influence. This reflection aims to contribute to the debate on the future of the international system dominated by Chinese soft power and how China is developing its influence strategies for its peaceful domination of power and to try to understand whether this Chinese vision of power can be adapted to the security, economic and political games in a conflictual and globalized environment.