Decoding Xi Jinping's Idiosyncratic Foreign Policy: Analyzing the Interplay of Centralized Decision-Making, Soft Power Dynamics, and Regional Security Implications

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Comparative historical analysis will trace the foreign policy orientation of Xi Jinping: the orientation that, by the nature of things, must be different from that of his predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin. Xi's ideological motivations and strategic objectives will be analyzed qualitatively using a systematic review of scholarly articles and policy documents. It describes the shift from a narrative of peaceful rise to a more assertive foreign policy that aims to change the international order according to the vision of realizing national rejuvenation in China. The focus is on two critical components of Xi's policy: the soft power, on the one hand, and military modernization, on the other. Together, they reflect his dual playing of economic cooperation and territorial aspirations. This paper also explores how evolving domestic politics and the increasing competition between the United States and China shape the impact of China's soft power campaigns and its broader security strategies in the region. Findings indicate that under Xi, centralized decision-making and assertive diplomacy are redefining China's role in global governance and transforming international relations in the fast-changing multipolar world. These policies are compared with those of previous leaders to bring forth valuable insights into the dynamic change experienced by the foreign policy of China and its consequences on the international political configurations. Key Words: Idiosyncrasy, Xi Jinping, Soft power, Military modernization, Decision making