The objective of the paper is to find an explanation for the seemingly contradictory behavior of China vis-a-vis the IMF an World Bank. How can we interpret that we see at the same time ...Show moreThe objective of the paper is to find an explanation for the seemingly contradictory behavior of China vis-a-vis the IMF an World Bank. How can we interpret that we see at the same time 'socializing' and 'challenging' actions? The paper examines first to what extent socialization theory can help to explain China's increasing role in the governance of the IFIs. Next is an analysis from different perspectives if there is evidence that China is 'challenging' the IFIs. The final section will illustrate that China is taking an alternative route to exerting its influence on the IFIs, and that there are other theses about engagement and interaction that current International Relations Theory is not capable of explaining. This analysis of the nature of China's influence on the governance of the international financial institutions aims to give us an insight into what kind of member of the international community China aspires to be.Show less
