Audrey Wong, a political science professor, discusses China's economic coercion tactics and patriotic consumer mobilization. They explore the complexities of China's statecraft, the challenges faced in navigating between coercion and persuasion, and the impact on companies like Lotte and H&M. The podcast delves into China's strategic narrative shaping, the interplay between nationalist sentiments and state propaganda, and the potential shift towards using inducements in economic statecraft.
China's economic coercion strategy targets global entities using patriotic consumer mobilization.
China's economic power also relies on inducements, showcasing a nuanced approach to influencing foreign entities.
Deep dives
Understanding Chinese Economic Coercion Through Consumer Behavior
China's evolving political system and economic statecraft are deeply intertwined, shaping global perceptions of the nation. The podcast delves into China's new strategy of economic coercion through patriotic consumer mobilization. By manipulating consumer behavior, China seeks to influence companies and governments, showcasing the country's soft power strategies.
The Role of Carrots and Sticks in China's Economic Statecraft
China's economic power is wielded not only through coercive measures but also through inducements. While sticks, such as boycotts, garner attention, carrots play a significant role in China's global economic influence. By leveraging its consumer market and wielding nationalistic sentiments, China aims to sway opinions and actions of foreign entities.
Impact and Effectiveness of China's Coercive Strategies
The efficacy of China's economic coercion strategies is a topic of debate. Economically, companies faced with boycotts may yield, impacting their market presence. However, politically, the success is variable, with instances where targeted countries maintain their policies despite Chinese pressures. The psychological deterrent effect on decision-making is palpable, influencing business and political relationships.
Future Implications in a Changing Economic Landscape
In a context of slower economic growth, China's approach to patriotic consumer mobilization may shift. While dependency on the Chinese market could reduce with diversification, prolonged economic challenges might intensify the use of coercive tools. China's balancing act between coercion and inducement may evolve as it navigates global relationships in an ever-changing economic environment.
In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Audrye Wong, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California, and Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss her recent article: “Mobilizing patriotic consumers: China’s new strategy of economic coercion,” published in the Journal of Strategic Studies (May 2023).
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