Realist theories help us understand the current problems between the U.S. and China. Two main types of these theories are classical realism and structural realism (or neorealism). They focus on power, national interest, and how the world has no central authority.
Here’s a simpler explanation of the key points:
Power Dynamics: A survey from the Pew Research Center in 2022 showed that 70% of Americans see China as a competitor. This is because China’s economy is growing fast. In 2021, China's economy (GDP) was about 22.67 trillion, making up nearly 24%. The U.S. feels that China’s rise challenges its position as a global leader.
Security Dilemma: Realist theory says that countries always try to make themselves safer. This can lead to a race to build more weapons. In 2021, China spent about 778 billion on its military. This growing military spending worries the U.S. because of China’s advancements in things like cyber warfare, navy power, and missiles.
Geopolitical Rivalry: The South China Sea is a major point of conflict. About 40% of the world's trade goes through this area. China is claiming territory there and building military bases on artificial islands. In response, the U.S. has carried out operations to protect its shipping routes, doing 10 of these operations in 2021. This shows how countries act to protect their interests in power struggles.
Balancing Behavior: Realism also suggests that countries may team up with others to counter a threat. To respond to China's growing influence, the U.S. has created stronger partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, working with countries like Australia and Japan through agreements like AUKUS.
In summary, realist theories help explain the tensions between the U.S. and China. They show how power struggles, security worries, and forming alliances play a big role in the competition between these two countries on the world stage.
Realist theories help us understand the current problems between the U.S. and China. Two main types of these theories are classical realism and structural realism (or neorealism). They focus on power, national interest, and how the world has no central authority.
Here’s a simpler explanation of the key points:
Power Dynamics: A survey from the Pew Research Center in 2022 showed that 70% of Americans see China as a competitor. This is because China’s economy is growing fast. In 2021, China's economy (GDP) was about 22.67 trillion, making up nearly 24%. The U.S. feels that China’s rise challenges its position as a global leader.
Security Dilemma: Realist theory says that countries always try to make themselves safer. This can lead to a race to build more weapons. In 2021, China spent about 778 billion on its military. This growing military spending worries the U.S. because of China’s advancements in things like cyber warfare, navy power, and missiles.
Geopolitical Rivalry: The South China Sea is a major point of conflict. About 40% of the world's trade goes through this area. China is claiming territory there and building military bases on artificial islands. In response, the U.S. has carried out operations to protect its shipping routes, doing 10 of these operations in 2021. This shows how countries act to protect their interests in power struggles.
Balancing Behavior: Realism also suggests that countries may team up with others to counter a threat. To respond to China's growing influence, the U.S. has created stronger partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, working with countries like Australia and Japan through agreements like AUKUS.
In summary, realist theories help explain the tensions between the U.S. and China. They show how power struggles, security worries, and forming alliances play a big role in the competition between these two countries on the world stage.