The Rise of China: Economic Expansion, Military Modification and the Belt and Road Initiative

Author

Felix Padilla, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

International Relations

First Advisor

Jean Krasno

Second Advisor

Nicholas Smith

Keywords

international security and geopolitical adversaries

Abstract

In order to analyze China’s rise in power, we have to examine how China has achieved this growth. We need to observe their domestic reforms, international initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and strategic military advancements. This thesis focuses on China’s economic integration, market reforms and military modernization. The thesis uncovers the effects of this rise on global governance and power balances, especially in trade, security, and geopolitics. I analyze China's vision of a multipolar world and how it contrasts with the current global order and how this fuels rivalry with the U.S. and other powers. China's rise is very controversial because this directly challenges the U.S.'s role as the dominant global power. The interplay between China's rise and the U.S.-China competition impacts international security and economic stability. This thesis is timely, as it examines the multifaceted nature of China's rise and its broader implications, fostering a nuanced understanding of one of the 21st century's most critical global challenges.

Comments

The best part is how the US is preparing to contain China.

Recommended Citation

Padilla, Felix, "The Rise of China: Economic Expansion, Military Modification and the Belt and Road Initiative" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1204