However, the current balance of power is stable as of now with only minor complications to account for. Nonetheless, the balance of power will remain in the future, even if turns into a bipolar world, reminiscing that of the cold war. Since, China will behave as a defensive state and not initiate war with the U.S. Optimistic realism also regards that if all are rational actors, then there is no rationality in the mass destruction of the human race, nuclear war, therefore reducing the likelihood of war. In contrast to pessimistic realism, China’s rise could inhibit the power and security of the United States. As a result, both countries would expand their military increasing the likely chance of war in the future. Furthermore, optimistic realism argues that China is not as militarized as the U.S. For example, China is increasing its aircrafts, naval capabilities, and military budget, yet their military is not adequate to overthrow that of the U.S. With regards to optimistic realism, it supports the theory that the U.S does not fear their security dilemma because of factors that slow China’s progress, such as “ creating efficient, equitable, and open legal and financial institution” (Friedberg 19). As a result, this hinders China’s growth and “will most likely continue to lag and may even fall further behind” (Freidberg). All these factors result to a …show more content…
Accordingly, to an optimistic liberalism the key factors are interdependence, institutions, and democratization. The U.S relations with China have grown years following September 11 because they assumed all great power should work together against the threat of terrorism. Since then, China and the U.S have become interdependent from one another. Meaning that the bilateral trade between the two, have built China to become the largest growing export market for the U.S. If China were to violate regional borders or even pursue territorial expansion, then it compromises the international markets, trading partners, and investors. Being that the U.S is China’s source of wealth it is only reasonable to believe that China well behave as defensive state. As of now, China is currently benefiting from the current system and has not shown any dissatisfaction. The current system is enabling China to grow its power in its economy and wealth, so there is no reason they would arise conflict. As for institutions, it helps communications between states, “reducing uncertainty about intentions and increasing the capacity of the government” (Friedberg 4). Organizations such as WTO and APEC have increased China’s membership worldwide and would not risk losing the membership benefits by threatening the status quo. Furthermore, China is becoming a democratized society supporting the fact democracies