| ID | 112633 |
| Title Proper | Strategic use of soft balancing |
| Other Title Information | the normative dimensions of the Chinese-Russian strategic partnership |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ferguson, Chaka |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article examines Chinese and Russian foreign policy and military strategy from the theoretical standpoint of soft balancing. Analysis of their thinking indicates that both seek to offset US military superiority without engaging American power directly. To that end, Chinese and Russian strategists have adopted 'soft' or 'normative' power assets as strategic capabilities in their military and foreign policy. Alternative norms, such as the concept of 'sovereign democracy', allow China and Russia to deliberately ignore human rights issues in order to achieve diplomatic advantage with respect to the United States. The two powers have institutionalized these norms within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which they use to counterbalance US interests in Central Asia. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol. 35, No.2; Apr 2012: p. 197-222 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol. 35, No.2; Apr 2012: p. 197-222 |
| Key Words | Strategic Partnership ; Shanghai Cooperation Organization ; Soft Balancing ; Soft Power ; Norms ; Unipolarity |