School of War
Ep 168: Nadège Rolland on China’s Vision of Strategic Space
Jan 7, 2025
Nadège Rolland, a renowned expert on Chinese strategic issues and author of Mapping China's Strategic Space, offers insights into China’s geopolitical landscape. She discusses the formation of mental maps by Chinese strategists, historical perspectives from Mao, and the implications of perceived encirclement by the U.S. The conversation also touches on China's Arctic ambitions, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the delicate balance of asserting regional power while avoiding overextension. Rolland's analysis reveals the complexities shaping China's global aspirations.
53:46
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Quick takeaways
- China's strategic elites envision a comprehensive geopolitical framework that includes territorial, ideological, and economic dimensions to assert global influence.
- The evolution of China's strategic thinking highlights a transition from Mao's counterimperialism to a modern focus on infrastructure and governance norms amid resource constraints.
Deep dives
Understanding Strategic Space
Leaders and strategists develop mental maps that inform their understanding of global strategic spaces, impacting their political and military decisions. The historical context of American strategic thought, particularly during World War II, illustrates how nations define their spheres of influence for resource access and defense. Similarly, Chinese strategists adopt and adapt these concepts to envision a broader strategic space that extends beyond national borders, aiming to establish China as a global power. This strategic perspective encompasses not only geographic territory but also ideological and economic dimensions to foster national growth and survival.
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