Xi Jinping’s Grand Strategy for National Rejuvenation: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

The thesis purpose is to critically explore the Grand Strategy of Xi Jinping for National Rejuvenation by applying the theory of a classical realist E.H. Carr. His theory helps to determine the cognition of the leader, whether the leader is utopic or realist. The thesis claims Xi Jinping’s Grand Strategy to achieve National Rejuvenation is a product of utopic cognition. To prove it, this thesis has used three categories of power (Military Power, Economic Power and Power over Opinion) determined by Carr on Xi’s Grand Strategy. The research used Archival research to find primary data to understand Xi’s approach. Through reports and speeches from PRC’s archives, this research found that the goals of Xi’s Grand Strategy are National Reunification, Self-Sufficiency and Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. To achieve these goals Xi has developed various strategies. For national reunification, Xi is willing to use peaceful and forceful means (as a last resort) against Taiwan. Xi has opted for the Dual Circulation Development Paradigm and Innovation-Driven Development in self-sufficiency. Lastly, to Build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, the PRC has established four initiatives BRI, GDI, GSI and GCI. However, these strategies have implications for the PRC and the states interacting with it. The forceful takeover of Taiwan has Economic Implications for the global economy. Economic self-sufficiency has slowed the PRC’s economy, but there are forecasts of recovery and financially distressed states are forced to repay PRC loans under its initiatives. Due to such implications, this thesis concluded that Xi’s Grand Strategy for National Rejuvenation is mostly utopic with little realist characteristic in the economic domain.