Implications of China’s Digital Silk Road for US Domination of the International System

Abstract

While the United States has long dominated the international system, that dominance is being challenged currently by China’s emergence as a new power. While considerable attention has been focused on China’s recent launch of the One Belt One Road (or Belt and Road) policy, less discussed are the digital dimensions of that policy, despite recognition of technology’s importance in the country’s policies. In this paper, the authors show the contribution of the digital aspects of the Belt and Road policy to China’s efforts to establish its position in the international system. Applying Power Transition Theory as pioneered by A.F.K. Organski, the authors show that while China has not fully dislodged the United States from its position in the system, its Digital Belt and Road has succeeded in eroding US’ dominance.

Keywords

• digital belt and road
• domination
• power
• status quo
• hierarchy