Russia and China as Service Providers for Illiberal Governance
Abstract
Research ProblemThis research will offer a new theoretical framework for studies of hegemonies by explaining how near- peer influence and regional balances of power are now embedded in competition in the knowledge economy. Following the spread of Western institutions across the globe in the last century, can Chinese and Russian substitutes rival them? And if so, what are the consequences? To better understand Russias and Chinas ability to generate new forms of great power competitions that pose strategic challenges to the United States and its allies, we will test hypotheses that both countries rising global outreach can be explained by their status as service providers for illiberal governance. By illiberal governance, we refer to the tools of the knowledge and skills economy that can be deployed by state agencies to ensure political control over society, resilience to external forces, and elite capture of profitable sectors. This research, to be conducted from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022, will be led by Principal Investigators (PIs) Dr. Marlene Laruelle from The George Washington University (GWU) and Dr. Erica Marat from the National Defense University (NDU).Proposed MethodsThe projects main objectives are threefold: (1) produce a comprehensive understanding of the scope and spread of service provision by near-peer powers, (2) evaluate the impact of Chinese and Russian services on domestic governance of client countries, and (3) analyze the international order emerging as a result. We will incorporate analysis of large datasets to measure values of Chinas and Russias services in 15 countries and conduct in-depth research in six countries over four continents with varying levels of either near-peer competitors presence.Impact on Department of Defense/Broader Implications for National DefenseFirst, this project will deepen our understanding of the dilemmas of todays multipolar system and the covert and subversive activities that characterize the statecraft of rising powers. Second, it will inform how the United States should engage with partner nations that are on the receiving end of illiberal governance tools. This includes planning for secure cooperation objectives, secure theater cooperation to combat crime, insurgencies and terrorism. Third, the project findings will inform how the United States should reconcile its domestic political values with its actions abroad. Systemic analysis of illiberal services will help the U.S. military and civilian agencies with analysis of U.S. strength in countering illiberal values and to emerging illiberal governance that compromises local and regional security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012848
Entities
People
- Marlene Laruelle
Organizations
- George Washington University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy