To conclude, this thesis intends to contribute to both the literature and discussion on soft power and it will also compare and contrast the soft power resources to the actions taken and thereby formulate possible policy recommendations. Theoretical Background The purpose of the following section is to illustrate and discuss the theoretical background necessary for conducting a profound case First of all, the theory of complex interdependence will be depicted, followed by a description of soft power and its resources. Afterward, the section will be continued with a portrayal on the evolution of the theory regarding China´s peaceful development. At the end, Harold Lasswell´s communication theory (1948) will be introduced. Complex Interdependence When examining China´s negative image in Germany, it is evident to start with an introduction to the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. The reasons behind the choice of this theory are twofold: firstly, it implies that the relations can be analyzed from both horizontal and vertical axes; and secondly, it clearly illustrates the changing notion of international relations in today´s globalized world, which is characterized by increased interconnectedness and collaboration. First Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye coined the term of complex interdependence, when they published their book called in Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition 1977. Complex interdependence can be defined as world in which security and force matter “a less and countries are connected by multiple social and political relationships” . Discussion on the concept of mutual dependence or interdependence can first be found among the works of Rousseau and Montesquieu . As Baldwin (1980) further argues, the modern study of
To conclude, this thesis intends to contribute to both the literature and discussion on soft power and it will also compare and contrast the soft power resources to the actions taken and thereby formulate possible policy recommendations. Theoretical Background The purpose of the following section is to illustrate and discuss the theoretical background necessary for conducting a profound case First of all, the theory of complex interdependence will be depicted, followed by a description of soft power and its resources. Afterward, the section will be continued with a portrayal on the evolution of the theory regarding China´s peaceful development. At the end, Harold Lasswell´s communication theory (1948) will be introduced. Complex Interdependence When examining China´s negative image in Germany, it is evident to start with an introduction to the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. The reasons behind the choice of this theory are twofold: firstly, it implies that the relations can be analyzed from both horizontal and vertical axes; and secondly, it clearly illustrates the changing notion of international relations in today´s globalized world, which is characterized by increased interconnectedness and collaboration. First Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye coined the term of complex interdependence, when they published their book called Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition in 1977. Complex interdependence can be defined as “a world in which security and force matter less and countries are connected by multiple social and political relationships” . Discussion on the concept of mutual dependence or interdependence can first be found among the works of Rousseau and Montesquieu . As Baldwin (1980) further argues, the modern study of
China_s_soft_power.docx