Global civilization, imperialism, and the rising world

Globalization has become a pervasive concept over the past 35 years, especially since the end of the Cold War. It has deeply influenced fields such as economics, political science, international relations, foreign policy, sociology, cultural studies, and communication, giving rise to an extensive body of literature. Terms like global communication, global cooperation, global solidarity, global order, global security, global peace, global stability, global prosperity, global trade, and global competition have also become commonplace.

Yet, globalization lacks a universally accepted definition and is not agreed upon universally. Perspectives on globalization vary widely, shaped by individuals' ideological preferences and economic-political stances. Debates continue over whether it is merely a process or an imposition of US imperialism, especially post-Cold War. Opinions differ on its onset as well—some date it back to the Industrial Revolution, others to the rise of overseas trade, and some to the 1980s. Opinions also vary significantly, with some interpreting globalization through the lenses of capitalism, imperialism, and neoliberalism as both an imposition and a crisis management model, while others see it more positively as a natural process.

Different Approaches to Global Civilization

The discourse around global civilization and inter-civilization interactions introduces additional complexity. That is due to the varying stances on globalization and differing views on how civilizations should interact. Reflecting on the ideas promoted by Prof. Dr Samuel P. Huntington, a former key figure in the US neo-conservative circle and an advisor to the Department of Defense, in his seminal work "The Clash of Civilizations," one can discern the US' intentions and the foundation it is setting. Consequently, it is challenging to reach a consensus between proponents of the U.S.-led Atlantic system and advocates of a multipolar, fair, balanced, and mutually respectful world order—essentially, between the imperialist West and the global South.

As a state experiencing a decline in its ecological dominance and hegemonic capabilities, the US appears to long for a return to the Cold War era, favouring conflict and escalation over cooperation. It increases pressure on its allies and brands countries that oppose its views, and supports a multipolar world order—particularly China and Russia—as adversaries challenging US hegemony. The US holds that its regime, civilization, lifestyle, and culture are superior and the best. It claims that what is beneficial for the US is also beneficial for the world, imposing its values globally and viewing this mission as both a political and divine duty. From this standpoint, the US sees itself as privileged, with a moral and political obligation to lead the world and maintain the international order it has established.

Global Civilization and China

States opposing US imperialism and the Atlantic system, which advocate for a multipolar world order based on equality, fairness, mutual respect, and shared benefits, hold markedly different views on globalization and global civilization. The interpretation of globalization by China, Russia, and broadly the Global South and developing nations diverges significantly from that of the US. The Global South seeks unbiased interactions among civilizations, states, and nations. It aims to develop equitable relationships, uphold the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of states, prevent conflicts, and enhance cooperation. It calls for preserving humanity's shared values and memories, respecting the diversity of regimes and civilizations, and opposing the forced imposition of value judgments. These aspirations directly conflict with those of the US, which, as a nation known for invading countries, orchestrating coups, interfering in other nation's affairs, and attempting to export its regime, manipulates the concept of globalization to serve its interests.

In the Global South, China stands as one of the most influential opponents of the globalization model promoted by the US. It champions a vision of globalization aimed at creating a more equitable world, a fairer system, increased cooperation, more just income distribution, respect for domestic affairs, and an economic model based on the win-win principle. Actively countering US influence, China leads in developing projects, institutions, and organizations that align with the Global South's vision of globalization. A prime example of these efforts is the Belt and Road Initiative, which China spearheaded in 2013. This significant project includes six major land routes and the Maritime Silk Road, playing a pivotal role not only economically but also in fostering a multipolar world order. It seeks to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa, enhancing collaboration across various dimensions such as transportation, infrastructure, energy, and communication. Other key initiatives under China's globalization strategy include the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 1996 as the "Shanghai Five," and the BRICS group, formed in 2009, both of which have seen rapid expansion and institutionalization.

The Importance of the Belt and Road Initiative

Over the last decade, the Belt and Road Initiative has engaged more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. On its tenth anniversary in 2023, China's State Council released a report titled "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future."The report highlights the initiative's role in transcending geopolitical confines and promoting economic integration, joint development, and a new model of international cooperation. To support ongoing progress, the initiative has created its financial entities, including the Silk Road Fund, which had invested $22 billion in 75 projects by June 2023. Furthermore, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, operational since January 2016, has become instrumental. Initially supported by 57 sovereigns with $100 billion, the bank has expanded its membership to 106 countries, disbursing a total of $43.6 billion in loans for 227 projects under the initiative by the end of June 2023.

Since 1978, China has vigorously pursued economic reforms, achieving an average annual growth rate of nearly 10% until the 2008 global financial crisis—a period often described as the "Chinese miracle." This distinctive mix of socialism and economic strategy has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, fostering economic integration, rapid development, shared prosperity, and environmentally sustainable industrialization. China has effectively managed the migration of its population from rural to urban areas, bolstering the middle class and connecting the country through an extensive network of roads and railways, while launching major transportation projects.

China's Economy and the Global South

China, the world's largest energy consumer, is poised to become the largest economy by 2030. It excels in production, investment, exports, imports, employment, and trade capacity, earning the moniker "the world's factory" and serving as a global economic powerhouse. Currently the world's second-largest economy behind the US, China leads in purchasing power parity. It is a major trading partner with the US, Canada, and Mexico, and plays a significant role in the European Union's trade, especially with Germany. China is the top destination for foreign direct investment from American and European companies and maintains extensive commercial and diplomatic relationships across Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with notably good relations with both Israel and Palestine. Investments are also increasing in Turkey and Greece.

In science and technology, China is making remarkable advances. It is notable for its high number of patents, universities ranked among the global top 500, and the presence of its companies in the top ranks worldwide. By 2030, China aims to launch about 4,000 satellites for various uses and holds the position of the world's second leader in artificial intelligence research, just behind the US. Additionally, every second 5G phone sold worldwide is from China, which has also surpassed Germany as the leader in machine industry exports. Regionally, China's bilateral trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown to $886.17 billion, making it ASEAN's largest trading partner with mutual investments topping $380 billion as of July 2023.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), spearheaded by China and initiated by ASEAN in 2012, became operational on January 1, 2022. It is the world's largest free trade area, including 15 member countries which covers about 30 percent of the world's population and 30 percent of global economic and trade volume, according to 2024 data. China's investments in developing countries are continually growing, surpassing those from Western nations and even those supported by the World Bank. China hosts almost one quarter of the world's private companies valued at over $1 billion, according to Global Unicorn Index 2024 issued by Hurun Research Institute.

China promotes trade using national currencies among many countries, enhancing the global use of its currency, the Renminbi (RMB), as a reserve currency. According to SWIFT data, the RMB has increased its share of global payments and entered the top five currencies. Rail freight services between China and Europe, initiated in 2011, have rapidly expanded, now reaching about 200 cities in 25 European countries. Leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing predicts that Chinese airlines will need 8,458 new aircraft in 20 years , valued at $1.5 trillion. China remains the world's largest car manufacturer, exporter, and market.

China's Growing Soft Power

China's economic, political, and diplomatic initiatives are significantly influencing education, science, and intercultural interactions worldwide. This impact is evident from the more than 4,000 universities across 70 countries that offer Chinese language courses, and the 25 million people learning Chinese outside of China. China ranks among the top countries sending university students to the US and Europe. The latest Center for China and Globalization report says more than 1.02 million Chinese tertiary students were studying abroad in 2021. Furthermore, almost 500,000 international students studied in China in 2018, according to China's Ministry of Education.

China promotes a model of globalization based on cooperation rather than conquest, particularly in the Middle East. It opposes warmongering and advocates for peace. China stands against interference in internal affairs, support for separatist movements, and the incitement of coups, riots, and civil wars. It upholds national independence, sovereignty, unity, and advocates resolving international disputes through dialogue, peace negotiations, and mediation. Notably, China has facilitated normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran and is committed to fostering lasting peace in conflicts such as those in Ukraine, Syria, and between Israel and Palestine. These efforts have garnered respect across the Middle East, Gulf countries, the Islamic world, and globally.

China asserts that global challenges like climate change, pandemics, transnational crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal immigration necessitate international cooperation for effective resolution. However, the US has often chosen to dictate the terms of cooperation and the partners involved, hindering progress on these global issues.

China's approach to globalization and its foreign policy have gained broad acceptance internationally. For instance, a survey conducted two years ago by CGTN's Think Tank and the Chinese Renmin University School of Public Administration and Public Opinion Research Institute involving participants from 22 countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, India, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, showed that 91.46% of citizens in African countries commend China's economic success. The approval rate stands at 81.6% in European countries and 78.09% in North America. China's space programs, carbon neutrality goals, transportation projects, international technology fairs, electric vehicle production, and industrial investments attract global attention, including from the US and its allies. Moreover, many international events, fairs, and summits hosted in China enjoy participation from the US's close allies, keen on strengthening cooperation with China.

In conclusion, China's emphasis on global civilization and mutually beneficial relationships is benefiting the world, particularly the Global South, and is highly valued in developing countries. Increasingly, more nations are supporting China's initiatives and seeking closer collaboration.

(Author: Barış Doster, professor at Marmara University)