Competing for Soft Power - Softcover

Repnikova, Maria

Softcover

ISBN 10: 100971029X ISBN 13: 9781009710299

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2026

Synopsis

Through the critical case study of Ethiopia, Maria Repnikova examines the ambitious but disjointed display of Chinese diplomatic influence in Africa. In doing so, she develops a new theoretical approach to understanding China's practice of soft power, identifying the core mechanisms as tangible enticement with material and experiential offerings, ideational promotion of values, visions, and governance practices, and censorial power over the production and dissemination of China narratives. Through in-depth field work, including interviews and focus groups, Repnikova builds a clear picture of the uneven implementation and reception of this image-making, in which Chinese messengers can improvise official agendas, and Ethiopian recipients can strategically appropriate and negotiate Chinese power. Contrary to popular claims about China replacing the West in the Global South, this innovative research reveals the successes, but also the inconsistencies and limitations of Chinese influence, as well as the ever-present shadow of the West in mediating soft-power encounters.

About this title

About the Author

Maria Repnikova is associate professor in Global Communication and the William C. Pate Endowed Chair in Strategic Communication at Georgia State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 100971029X
• ISBN 13: 9781009710299
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 278