Power Transition Theory

Out with the old and in with the new. Well, not quite. However, I am often asked why I am so interested in China and studying Chinese. Besides the fact that I am interested, I also see the practical nature of undertaking such a venture.

First, China is the most populous country on the planet. Second, they are a force in global business and international relations and lead the world in exports. Third, which I will touch on in this blog post, is they are increasingly becoming more powerful and relevant in international relations.

Currently, many in the field of international relations will attest that the United States is a lone superpower in a unipolar international society. Many more would also claim that this is being challenged by a fast rising China. What is going to happen if/when the United States is put to the test by China. Will war break out? Will we see the beginning of a new world order that is bipolar in nature? Will this occur in the 21st century?

These are all relevant questions. In the field of international relations, the power transition theory is a Realist view of the cyclic nature of war. A powerful entity, or superpower that has long been dominant, begins to be challenged by an aspiring power. The aspiring power who challenges the status quo is not very likely willing to attack a dominant power and this same challenger will also not likely attack this entity once power has become transitioned to the challenger since they would view the previous superpower as "inferior." Therefore, the most likely chance for war comes when parity exists between the two powers and one is not significantly stronger or weaker than the other. This is the essence of the power transition theory.

So if this moment in time when the United States and China are on an equal plane does
occur, I do want to be able to tell the story. Especially in the off chance that Mandarin becomes the world's official language!