Abstract

Amid intensifying great-power competition, the United States is actively mobilizing its major allies to assert international digital leadership. However, the outcomes of these efforts have varied. By examining the dependence of major allies on the United States, we argue that their support is primarily motivated by a desire to secure a favorable US-led order that ensures their survival and identity. Major allies are more inclined to cooperate with the US to counter the rivals’ digital technology advancement when they perceive these rivals as threats to the existing order. Such cooperation is seen as crucial to preventing competition from destabilizing the US-led order. Furthermore, major allies tend to align with US initiatives on international digital norms when these efforts also help them address their digital-age challenges. This strategic alignment enables them to shape a more favorable US-led order while potentially reducing their long-term dependence on the United States. These findings offer a new theoretical perspective on international leadership and hierarchy in the digital era.

About the Speaker 

Dr. Sun Xuefeng is Professor of IR at Department of International Relations, Executive Deputy Dean of Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University and Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Journal of International Politics. He has also served as Chair of Department of International Relations, Tsinghua University (2015.11-2018.11). His current research focuses on International Relations Theory, China’s foreign policy and International Relations in East Asia. He is the author or co-author of dozens of academic papers and books, including Dilemma of China’s Rise (first edition in 2011; second edition in 2013), International Legitimacy and The Rise of Great Powers (2014) and East Asian Security Order and Transformation of China’s Neighbourhood Policy (2017). He has won Tsinghua University Distinguished Young Scholar Award (2012), Tsinghua University Outstanding Young Teacher Award (2010) and Tsinghua University Annual Teaching Excellence Award (2016/2018).

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