Great Power Contest in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The era of globalization, which is characterized by intensified borderless exchanges and increased interconnectedness, pressures countries to reassess their use of ‘hard power' in realizing nation's objectives as well as dealing with the global community. China has been recognizing the importance of ‘soft power' – the need to enhance its global image. Primarily, this strategy is called ‘charm offensive' which projects a “benign national image” to secure strong alliances and demonstrate itself as an epitome of social and economic success. This matter is another interesting subject of various discourses and not yet exhausted by existing knowledge production efforts and hence, the focus of this chapter. Specifically, through the use of secondary literature and scrutinization of policy statements and landmark speeches of officials, diplomats, and cultural agents of soft power, this chapter examines China's charm offensive in Southeast Asia – focusing on its sources, limits, and implications to the stability of the region.