Global Governance and China’s Discursive Power: An Institutional Aspect

Abstract

This article examines one aspect of China’s proposed global governance reform, which draws on the institutional dimension of discursive power. Institutional discursive power in China is defined as activity in international organizations and supranational institutions, from agenda setting to the development and adoption of corresponding decisions — acts of global governance. Aim. The aim of this study is to identify the mechanisms by which China develops discursive power within the framework of its proposed global governance reform. Tasks. The objectives are to identify the process by which China develops discursive power and to analyze its use in foreign policy decision-making. Methods. When writing the article, the authors used general scientific methods. The article used descriptive and comparative methods in the analysis of international institutions. Institutional theory and its derivatives were taken as a general theoretical framework. Results and conclusions. China has successfully developed and implemented various global governance mechanisms, such as multilateral formats, forums, international organizations, and independent financial structures. The Chinese Foreign Ministry pays special attention to the BRICS format. Under China’s influence, the agendas of multilateral institutions have been successfully adapted. China has developed mechanisms for the formation of new international institutions and criteria for the restructuring of existing ones. This highlights China’s institutional discourse power as a key driver of global governance reform.