Social States: China in International Institutions, 1980-2000

This is an impressive book that makes several major contributions – theoretically, empirically, and pedagogically. Written in a robust and engaging style it distils a wide range of literature in the social sciences, develops the concept of socialization, and links it firmly and productively with explanations of China's foreign policy views and behavior in international institutional settings. China's policy is presented predominantly as a case for understanding how socialization works, but that statement downplays the extent to which, in Johnston's detailed treatment of China, not only is the concept of socialization fundamentally enriched, but also our understanding of aspects of China's behavior and thinking. International Relations scholars will benefit as much from reading this book as those predominantly interested in charting the basis for change in China's security policies. The study begins by reminding us that a great deal of diplomatic action does not involve coercive techniques or material sidepayments, but is actually about ‘persuading, cajoling, or shaming’ others to accept the wisdom of one's point of view. It moves on to offer a sophisticated model of how the micro-processes of socialization work, drawing on insights from IR theorists but also on the social–psychological theories that are relevant to understanding the behavior of ‘newcomers’ in social groups. Thus, this is not a book about state socialization but about how individuals and groups that operate within institutional environments are affected by that environment and, in turn, how they are enabled to seek to influence policy making. Dissatisfied with the central constructivist definition of socialization as the internalization of global or group norms, Johnston suggests we should also be alert to pro-social behavior that is not reflective of changes in belief, but is nevertheless convergent with group values or norms.