Power Cycle Theory Reconsidered: Is China going to Destabilize the Global Order?

Abstract

Based on the power cycle theory this paper assesses the theory's explanatory power for China's international rise, shifts in international power relations as well as the stability of the international system. First, this paper explored whether Lahneman's finding from 2003 of a 'metastable' world is still valid today and which role China plays for this stability. Secondly, the paper discusses recent extensions to power cycle theory. Based on these, this paper argues that although all global actors must accommodate to new power relations, the world no longer appears 'metastable' or destabilized by China's rise.