China and the Logic of Illiberal Hegemony

Abstract

We develop a theoretical logic and character of a Chinese model of international order. We begin by considering general problems of power transition and hegemonic order-building, with reference to the American experience with liberal hegemony. China will, like all powerful states, seek an order that protects its interests. But unlike its predecessors, China faces an existing order containing elements posing a threat to its domestic political and economic model. We describe this domestic model, and consider how it might be defended at the international level—embedded in the logic and organizational principles of hegemonic order. Our contribution is to theorize the consequences of China’s hegemonic interests, including domestic preservation, and its order-building practices, for the operation and underlying character of a China-led hegemonic order. While not inherently illiberal in form, we outline how the emergent order could generate illiberal outcomes. This paper therefore theorizes the concept of illiberal hegemony.

Keywords: hegemony, China, international order, illiberal