Grand strategy and the construction of the national interest: the underpinnings of Sino-US strategic competition

Abstract

The ubiquity of Sino-US strategic competition calls for uncovering its underpinnings by systematically comparing their grand strategies. This article examines how both governments have constructed their countries’ national interest since the 2008 global financial crisis. Through quantitative content analysis, it traces the relative salience of different components of the construction of the national interest detailing differences and shifts in emphasis and divergences within both governments. Whereas the Chinese government increasingly emphasized taking on a leadership role in international affairs, the US government became more concerned about the country’s security and economic standing. Between Chinese actors, the most pronounced divergence appeared regarding the importance of territorial defense. US actors disagreed about the importance of promoting the country’s values abroad. These findings suggest that a long-term perspective is needed to uncover the underpinnings of great power competition. Researchers and policy-makers must listen to different foreign policy actors, even under centralized authoritarian rule.