China’s rise over the past two decades altered the landscape of global politics. From its entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 to Xi Jinping’s raise to power in 2012, China’s aspiration to global political leadership has become evident, as its intention to reshape the international system in line with Chinese interests, norms and values. In this light, three recent books offer a discussion on the role of China as a global player in international politics, and its growing normative/discourse power and main narratives at the international level driving China’s foreign policy. Firstly, Silvia Menegazzi will explore Beijing’s proactive stance in international organizations, the evolution of China’s relations with the EU and US, China’s ambivalent relationship with the Russian Federation in light of the Ukraine War. Secondly, Beatrice Gallelli will focus on the constructive and repressive function of eight keywords in contemporary Chinese political discourse, this presentation will provide insight in what is new in president Xi Jinping widely celebrated new era . Thirdly, Marco Zappa will shed light on Japan’s attempt at repositioning the archipelago in a position of strategic relevance on the world stage, specifically Japan’s ties with emerging regional powers, from India to Southeast Asia.
Books presented:
*Silvia Menegazzi, La Cina e la politica globale. Tra cambiamento e continuità, Milano: Mondadori Università, 2023
*Beatrice Gallelli, La Cina di oggi in otto parole, Bologna: Il Mulino, 2021
*Marco Zappa, Il Giappone nel sistema internazionale. Asia orientale e sudorientale nella politica estera giapponese dal 1945 all'era Abe, Venezia: Cafoscarina, 2020