Leiden University Student Repository

Nijssen, Laura (2020)

China's identity in the global climate regime: a developing country, a gobal leader, or both?

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

This thesis uses the theory that state behaviour and identity are interrelated to consider China’s dual identity of developing country and great power. The global climate regime is used as a case study that is internationally relevant and exemplifies this dual identity, and China’s behaviour in the regime is studied through analysing official statements and news sources. This thesis concludes that China continues to identify itself as a developing country, cooperates with developing countries and advocates for their interests, but it is outgrowing these interests itself. China increasingly focuses on its capabilities instead of a lack thereof and takes on a active and assertive role in negotiations, resembling great power behaviour more than a traditional developing country role. Identity is shaped in relationships, and the other states must accept the identity that China acts out. This may become a problem for China in the near future in the climate regime.

China

identity

global climate regime

developing country

great power

Author

Nijssen, Laura

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

East Asia

Supervisors

d'Hooghe, Ingrid

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en