Department or Program
Asian Studies
Abstract
This paper will focus on one of the more understated yet significant initiatives that has coincided with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation: the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), in a campaign which has been named the 强军 梦, or the Strong Military Dream. My argument is that the CCP is undergoing a massive military modernization effort whereby tooling the PLA with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence will provide the hard power necessary to enforce China’s grand, revisionist ambitions. Additionally, I argue that having a military capable of projecting power that deters and is capable of fighting and winning, will both provide China with the cover it needs to rejuvenate and also cement China’s transitioning status of an emerging or regional power to that of a global superpower, and the preeminent power in the Indo-Pacific region. Finally, with respect to the fact that the CCP has entrusted the PLA to provide teeth to China’s national rejuvenation, this paper will examine the evolving nature of how China’s leaders have used the PLA to achieve their goals.
Level of Access
Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access
First Advisor
Faries, Nathan
Date of Graduation
5-2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Valen, Jackson, "The Lion's New Teeth: Chinese Military Innovation as National Rejuvenation, A New Era in the Modernization of the People's Liberation Army" (2020). Standard Theses. 6.
https://scarab.bates.edu/asian_studies_theses/6
Number of Pages
46
Restricted
Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.