Leiden University Student Repository

Binsbergen, Lennart van (2018)

Securitizing the Rise of China under the Obama Administration

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This thesis researches the rise of China from a US political discourse perspective by taking a post-structuralist approach. It employs a critical discourse analysis to analyze elitist political discourse of the Obama administration for securitization moves of the rise of China. This research provides a unique perspective on the US-China security relationship and adds to the understanding how language shapes the meaning of security as well as foreign policy. This thesis shows that in discourse of the foreign policy executives of the Obama administration between May and October 2015 there are substantial instances in which the rise of China is being discussed as a threat to US economic and military securities. In line of this threat discourse, security measures are promoted and legitimized. These are among others: investing in military technology development, supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership, promoting Chinese economic reforms, and investment in developing cyber capabilities.

rise of China

Obama administration

securitization

2015

China

US

Author

Binsbergen, Lennart van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Conflict in the Modern Era

Supervisors

Foulon, Michiel

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en