Quest for Status: Chinese and Russian Foreign Policy

Larson, Deborah Welch; Shevchenko, Alexei

ISBN 10: 0300236042 / ISBN 13: 9780300236040

Published by Yale University Press, 2019

About this Item

Unmarked hardcover in unclipped jacket. Scuffs on matte covers. Top edges of jacket are worn with the corners showing the most wear.

Seller Inventory # 071661

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Quest for Status: Chinese and Russian Foreign Policy
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300236042
• ISBN 13: 9780300236040
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very GOOD
• Dust Jacket Condition: VERY GOOD
• Seller catalogs:
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About this title

Synopsis

A look at how the desire to improve international status affects Russia's and China's foreign policies
 
Deborah Welch Larson and Alexei Shevchenko argue that the desire for world status plays a key role in shaping the foreign policies of China and Russia. Applying social identity theory—the idea that individuals derive part of their identity from larger communities—to nations, they contend that China and Russia have used various modes of emulation, competition, and creativity to gain recognition from other countries and thus validate their respective identities. To make this argument, they analyze numerous cases, including Catherine the Great’s attempts to westernize Russia, China’s identity crises in the nineteenth century, and both countries’ responses to the end of the Cold War. The authors employ a multifaceted method of measuring status, factoring in influence and inclusion in multinational organizations, military clout, and cultural sway, among other considerations. Combined with historical precedent, this socio-psychological approach helps explain current trends in Russian and Chinese foreign policy.

About the Author

Deborah Welch Larson is professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles. Alexei Shevchenko is professor of political science at California State University, Fullerton.