The Impact of China's Rise on the Transformation of the International Political System: Economic, Military, Technological, and Diplomatic–Soft Power Dimensions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: One of the major structural changes observed in the international political system in the twenty-first century is the rapid expansion of China’s economic, military, technological, and diplomatic capabilities. China’s increasing weight in the global economy, its military modernization policy, the strengthening of its research and innovation capacity, and its growing engagement in international organizations and multilateral initiatives have significantly strengthened its position in the international system. This study examines the impact of China’s rise on the transformation of the international political system through the interaction of economic, military, technological, and diplomatic–soft power components. It employs qualitative and comparative analysis, drawing on academic literature, reports by international organizations, and official statistical data. The findings demonstrate that China’s rise cannot be adequately explained solely by the growth of its economic or military power. Economic potential provides the financial foundation for technological and military capabilities, while technological development enhances both economic competitiveness and the effectiveness of military capabilities. At the same time, diplomatic and soft power instruments facilitate the conversion of material resources into international political influence. The study concludes that China’s rise should not be interpreted as an immediate transformation of the international system into a stable bipolar or multipolar order, but rather as a gradual redistribution of global power resources and the expansion of strategic competition into new domains. The study’s scientific novelty lies in integrating the four principal components of China’s power potential into a unified analytical framework. Keywords: China; China’s rise; international political system; economic power; military power; technological power; soft power; global balance of power.
Author: Roya Rzayeva
Institution: Nakhchivan State University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225579056