Geoeconomic Capabilities Implementation: A Contemporary Geo-Strategy For International Primacy (Case of China)

Identifier:  TDX:3201

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3201

Authors:  AL Khawly, Nehme

Abstract:
Besides the shift of economic and financial power from western to eastern countries, a shift from geopolitics to geoeconomics is redefining the geo-strategies of the states. The thesis discusses how geoeconomics is being applied as a geo-strategy to attain global order, instead of the traditional military means. It highlights the shift that is happening from geopolitics to geoeconomics and studied wether economic means will replace military ones in bilateral wars. Specifically, this research explores what has China been aiming for since the collapse of the Soviet Union by implementing its geoeconomic capabilities, and whether by following this geo-strategy it is going to achieve international primacy. The study places much emphasis on Eurasia, for which most of the geopolitical theoreticians have given great importance to control the destinies of the world, and therefore the region in which China has concentrated its main foreign policy initiatives and promoted its geoeconomic interests. And since Eurasia is Russia's backyard, the thesis studies the impact of China's geo-strategy on its bilateral relations with Russia, whether in realizing a regional integration or leading to a non-ending rivalry between them. To treat this subject, it was appropriate first to analyze secondary data by adopting the descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology, and then carry out an empirical qualitative research, whereby primary data collected from in-depth interviews were analyzed to validate the findings obtained from the document analysis. The results concluded that China is having an intangible aim to rule the world by reaching a large scope of international primacy, expanding its capabilities, and shaping the future of Eurasia. The SIno-Russian relations are complex with no clear image regarding their reality. And while results have also shown that there is a shift happening from geopolitics to geoeconomics, it is not yet complete outside China.