To explain China's behavior as a global superpower, all three levels of analysis - the

individual level, the state level, and the international level - are relevant and
interconnected. Here's how each level contributes to understanding China's global
behavior:

1. **Individual Level:**
- **Key Leaders:** Individual leaders in China, such as the General Secretary of the
Communist Party and the President, play a significant role in shaping the country's
global behavior. Their personal beliefs, ideologies, and decision-making styles influence
foreign policy decisions. For example, Xi Jinping's leadership and his pursuit of the
"Chinese Dream" have had a substantial impact on China's global ambitions.

2. **State Level:**
- **Domestic Politics and Policies:** China's domestic politics, including its one-party
system and centralization of power, have implications for its global behavior. The
Chinese Communist Party's policies on economic development, political stability, and
nationalism shape its international actions. For instance, China's emphasis on economic
growth as a means of achieving global power status has been a central state-level driver
of its behavior.
- **Economic Strength:** China's economic policies, trade relationships, and
development strategies at the state level have propelled it to global superpower status.
Its status as the world's second-largest economy gives it substantial global influence, as
it seeks access to markets, resources, and technology.

3. **International Level:**
- **Global Power Structure:** China's behavior as a global superpower is influenced
by the structure of the international system. Power competition, cooperation, and
conflict with other major global players, notably the United States, are crucial factors.
China's rise has altered the balance of power, leading to adjustments in global
relationships and strategies.
 - **Participation in International Institutions:** China's engagement with
international institutions, like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, is
a reflection of its global ambitions. It seeks to shape and reform these institutions to
better serve its interests and challenge the existing international order.

In summary, all three levels of analysis are essential for understanding China's behavior
as a global superpower. Individual leaders' decisions, state-level policies and strategies,
and the dynamics of the international system interact to shape China's actions and
influence on the global stage.

The description of the rise of China as peaceful or non-peaceful can vary depending on
one's perspective and the specific aspects of China's rise that are being considered. It's
important to note that the assessment of China's rise is a complex and multifaceted
issue, and opinions on this matter can differ widely. Here are different viewpoints:

**Peaceful Rise (Peaceful Development):**

1. **Economic Growth**: Many argue that China's rise has primarily been driven by its
rapid economic growth and engagement in global trade. This economic rise has led to
increased prosperity for its citizens and contributed positively to global economic
stability.

2. **Diplomacy**: China has often emphasized its commitment to peaceful diplomacy

and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. It has engaged in dialogues
and negotiations to resolve disputes, particularly in the context of territorial claims.

3. **Multilateral Engagement**: China has become an active participant in international

organizations and initiatives, such as the United Nations and climate change
agreements. Its involvement is seen by some as a constructive effort to address global
challenges.
**Non-Peaceful (Concerns and Criticisms):**

1. **Territorial Disputes**: China's assertiveness in territorial disputes, such as those in

the South China Sea and with Taiwan, has raised concerns among neighboring countries
and the international community. These actions are often viewed as non-peaceful.

2. **Military Buildup**: China has significantly modernized its military forces, including
the development of advanced weaponry and naval capabilities. This has led to concerns
about its intentions, especially in the context of regional security.

3. **Human Rights**: Critics point to China's human rights record, including issues
related to freedom of speech, political dissent, and minority rights, as evidence of non-
peaceful behavior.

4. **Debt Diplomacy**: China's economic engagement through initiatives like the Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI) has raised concerns about debt dependency among recipient
countries and potential strategic motives behind these investments.

It's essential to recognize that these perspectives are not mutually exclusive, and the
assessment of China's rise often involves a nuanced understanding of various
dimensions. Moreover, different countries and international actors may have differing
views on China's behavior and intentions, which can influence their policies and
responses to China's rise.

In practice, the international community continues to navigate the complexities of

China's rise by engaging in diplomatic efforts, negotiations, and multilateral forums to
address concerns while also seeking areas of cooperation.

Certainly, there are indeed three levels of analysis to explain state behavior:
policymakers-level, nation-state-level, and international system-level. Let's briefly
explore each of these levels:
1. **Policymakers-Level**:
- At the policymakers-level, the focus is on the individuals or groups within a
government who make decisions and formulate policies.
- Key Factors:
- **Decision-Makers**: This level looks at who the policymakers are, their
backgrounds, beliefs, and motivations.
- **Decision-Making Processes**: It examines how decisions are made, the role of
institutions, and the influence of interest groups.
- **Policy Choices**: The focus is on specific policy decisions made by leaders and
their rationale.

2. **Nation-State-Level**:
- At the nation-state-level, the analysis zooms in on the internal dynamics of a specific
nation-state and its interactions with other actors in the international system.
- Key Factors:
- **Domestic Factors**: This includes a nation's political system, economy, culture,
and societal factors that influence state behavior.
- **National Interests**: Understanding what a state values and seeks to achieve on
the international stage.
- **Foreign Policy**: Examining how a state's foreign policy is formulated and
executed.
- **Security Concerns**: Assessing threats and security strategies.

3. **International System-Level**:
- At the international system-level, the focus is on the broader context in which states
operate, including the interactions and dynamics among states on a global scale.
- Key Factors:
- **International Institutions**: Examining the role of organizations like the United
Nations and treaties in shaping state behavior.
 - **Power Structures**: Analyzing the distribution of power among states and its
impact on international relations.
- **Global Norms and Values**: Understanding the influence of shared norms, ethics,
and international law.
- **Global Events**: Considering how major global events (e.g., economic crises,
pandemics, conflicts) affect state behavior.

These three levels of analysis are interconnected and often overlap. They provide a
comprehensive framework for understanding state behavior in the complex arena of
international relations. Analysts and scholars may employ one or more of these levels to
analyze and explain the actions and decisions of states in the international system.