Relational Power in the Era of De-Risking

Abstract

The global hegemony of the United States has been increasingly challenged by regional powers. Beginning with the decoupling strategy officially proposed by the Trump administration in 2019, the Biden administration has further intensified and refined the decoupling measures against China aiming to weaken China comprehensively using a small yard, high fence approach. From decoupling to de-risking, the world has entered an era of de-risking. This study examines the interpretation and manifestation of relational power in contemporary times through three dimensions: interest connections, interest and value connections, and connections based on a community with a shared future. The goal is to establish a relational network centered on China to counter U.S. marginalization of China, rally and lead the Global South to build a community with a shared future for humanity, and break through the barriers of the pan-Western alliance led by the U.S.