From Engaging to Containing China: US Attempts to Fill Power-role Gaps (2000-2018)

Drawing on the Power Cycle Theory, a comprehensive analysis of the evolving dynamics between the United States (US) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), reveals that Washington’s relative power was at its height in 1998 and in an acceleratory decline by 2011. On the other hand, the PRC's relative power has been increasing since 1992, although its growth rate began to decelerate around 2012. Despite the decline in its relative power since 1998, the US has adopted a consistent global role, resulting in widening power-role gaps within the international system that peaked between 2011 and 2014. Rather than conceding its hegemonic role, Washington has sought to contain the PRC's ascent, a trend that has persisted across successive administrations.
Keywords: Power Cycle Theory; Relative power; foreign policy roles; dynamic equilibrium; power-role gaps