China's Peaceful Rise

China is a rising global power. Observers argue over whether it will rise peacefully within the current international order or if it will choose an aggressive posture. While its actions to date communicate a mixed message on the issue, the Chinese state will indeed rise peacefully. A.F.K Organski's Power Transition international relations theory provides a substantive, predictive backdrop to Chinese intent and helps characterize China's future as one marked by largely peaceful actions. Not only do its political traditions demand a peaceful approach to growth, but China's methods of military employment and the economic realities confronting the state create the conditions where an aggressive rise is unlikely.