Power Transition and the United States-China Trade War

Abstract

This paper examines how power transition theory could provide insights into the trade war between the United States and China. The paper shows that the trade war between the United States and China is a manifestation of power transition in the international system. As a rising power with growing economic might, China seeks to increase its influence and position in the international system through various global initiatives. In responding to this, the United States tries to maintain its position as a global leader by imposing trade barriers to suppress the rise of China. This strategy intends to slow the U.S.’ decline as a global hegemon. This article aims to contribute to understanding the relations between power transition, hegemony, and trade wars.

Keywords

• trade war
• power transition
• united states
• china
• hegemony
• rising power
• industrialisation