This paper attempts to provide a framework for analyzing China\u27s newfound assertiveness. Does a rising China pose a systemic threat to the world order, or will Beijing\u27s rise be characterized by what policy officials refer to as a Peaceful Rise ? This paper argues that China is building a bigger stick and a bigger carrot to increase its hard and soft power capabilities; however, this policy won\u27t necessarily pose a threat. The United States must strengthen Western-central international institutions and guide Beijing into this framework if the US wants to see a Peaceful Rise
