Domestic Politics, China's Rise, and the Future of the Liberal International Order

Abstract With the future of liberal internationalism in question, how will China's growing power and influence reshape world politics? We argue that views Liberal International Order (LIO) as integrative resilient have been too optimistic for two reasons. First, ability to profit from within system has shaken domestic consensus United States on preserving existing LIO. Second, features Chinese Communist Party rule chafe against many fundamental principles LIO, but could coexist with a return Westphalian markets are embedded systems control. How, then, do authoritarian states like China pick choose engage key institutions norms LIO? propose framework highlights variables—centrality heterogeneity—and their implications international behavior. illustrate examples approach climate change, trade exchange rates, Internet governance, territorial sovereignty, arms control, humanitarian intervention. Finally, we conclude by considering what alternative versions order might emerge grows.