China in the World Bank, IMF, and WIPO: Understanding Trends in Global Governance Behavior

(Hardback)

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Previously one of the least connected states in the world, China is taking on a considerable role as a leading global power. It has participated and benefited from international organizations (IOs) while also influencing their institutional behavior, but it has also demonstrated limited compliance at times. Chinas behavior has shifted from following the rules to a desire to make and set the rules. China in the World Bank, IMF, and WIPO: Understanding Trends in Global Governance Behavior explores 40 years of Chinas participation within these organizations, drawing on in-depth interviews and analysis of annual reports, meeting minutes, consultations, and transcripts obtained from archived records to argue how China views its behavior can achieve its desired interests. James Frick paints a detailed picture to illustrate that in the context of relative shifts in power, variation in Chinas IO behaviors is predicated by the extent to which IOs conform to Chinas national interests. This rational behavior approach (RBA) outlines four strategies: rule-taking, rule-breaking, rule-changing, and rulemaking. As Chinas relative power increases over time, so does its bargaining power, leading to a more assertive rule-changing behavior as it attempts to adapt the organization to allow its ascendancy as a rule-maker.

Reviews

China in the World Bank, IMF, and WIPO deftly shows how Chinas global ambitions and interests respond to organizational level rules and practices. The book harnesses in-depth interviews, primary documentation, and secondary research to show Chinas rule-taking and rulemaking in three of the most important multilateral institutions in development, finance, and intellectual property. Claiming a seat at the table, Chinas intensifying activities within international organizations maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of working within the Liberal International Order. -- Roselyn Hsueh * Temple University, USA *
Dr. James Frick has written an authoritative analysis of Chinas complex and rapidly changing roles in the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Intellectual Property Organization. He makes a convincing case that Chinas actions in the institutions show, Chinas growing willingness to lead at the international level. This is a perspective well worth considering amid ongoing debates in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere over the costs and benefits of investing the resources needed to maintain traditional leadership roles in these crucial organizations. -- Daniel Shields * Ambassador (ret.), USA *

Author Bio

James A. Frick is associate professor and director of the Second Year Studies Distant Education Program at the U.S. Army War College.