International relations theory and US–China competition: A theoretical exploration

Abstract

Drawing on insights from three dominant IR paradigms – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – this essay examines three critical questions regarding US–China competition: (1) Why do the United States and China compete? (2) How do they compete? (3) How can this competition be managed constructively? We argue that realism, particularly structural realism, provides the most compelling explanation for the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China. However, liberalism and constructivism offer valuable insights into non-military strategies of competition, particularly through institutions, economic statecraft, soft power, discourse, norms, and ideology. In terms of managing competition, maintaining a military balance of power and exercising prudent deterrence, as advocated by realism, serve as critical safeguards against potential conflict. At the same time, institutional balancing without ideological antagonism, combined with an inward-focused strategy derived from liberalism and constructivism, can help shift the US–China competition from a zero-sum game to a positive-sum dynamic.