It is important to first define power, as the ability to influence the behaviour of others in accordance with one's own ends (New York Knopf 1968: 104) to get a better understanding of both Cox’s and Williams’ arguments. This means that power cannot be singly limited to economic or military power and, according to political scientist Joseph Nye, must also take into account soft power, “the ability to achieve goals through attraction rather than coercion” (Nye 2004: 5). Both Cox and Williams each present conflicting arguments about America’s declining power and do not deny America’s “sorry state at home and abroad” (Williams 2007: 945) which exemplifies the extent at which they see America’s power weakening. However, Williams counters Cox’s
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This is because, he believes that all empires, particularly America, have a “finite lifespan” arguing that their power is in decline and emphasises that China is rising and altering the way in which international relations is being conducted as opposed to the US which no longer possesses this ability to exert influence. Furthermore, historian Ferguson supports Cox’s argument by stating that the “21st century will belong to China” which shows how influential China has become as a world power. For example, in 2007, data shows that the annual GDP growth of China was 14.2% against America’s unimpressive 1.8%, this exemplifies that China does not only possess soft power but, is now a major economic power threatening other states with such a rapid growth. On the other hand, Cox neglects to take into consideration the idea that current affairs may be beyond the control of one power (China), and as a result allows his realist nature to override his judgement, limiting his understanding of the world today. Moreover, it is essential to take into account that the rise of China’s power does not necessarily translate to the fall of America’s power. However, America’s involvement in Iraq, 2003 has led to a decline in their soft power and as a result, it can be argued by Cox’s realist perception that the US is no longer a significant power within the world as other nations such as China
This is because, he believes that all empires, particularly America, have a “finite lifespan” arguing that their power is in decline and emphasises that China is rising and altering the way in which international relations is being conducted as opposed to the US which no longer possesses this ability to exert influence. Furthermore, historian Ferguson supports Cox’s argument by stating that the “21st century will belong to China” which shows how influential China has become as a world power. For example, in 2007, data shows that the annual GDP growth of China was 14.2% against America’s unimpressive 1.8%, this exemplifies that China does not only possess soft power but, is now a major economic power threatening other states with such a rapid growth. On the other hand, Cox neglects to take into consideration the idea that current affairs may be beyond the control of one power (China), and as a result allows his realist nature to override his judgement, limiting his understanding of the world today. Moreover, it is essential to take into account that the rise of China’s power does not necessarily translate to the fall of America’s power. However, America’s involvement in Iraq, 2003 has led to a decline in their soft power and as a result, it can be argued by Cox’s realist perception that the US is no longer a significant power within the world as other nations such as China