Economic growth will first strengthen Asian states, then their societies.

Evidence

China’s history, culture, traditions, size, economic dynamism, and self-image all impel it to assume a hegemonic position in East Asia. This goal is a natural result of its rapid economic development. Every other major power, Britain and France, Germany and Japan, the United States and the Soviet Union, has engaged in outward expansion, assertion, and imperialism coincidental with or immediately following the years in which it went through rapid industrialization and economic growth. No reason exists to think that the acquisition of economic and military power will not have comparable effects in China. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 615 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: East Asian countries sustained decade-plus growth rates of 8-10 percent annually. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 279; Chinese hegemony in East Asia is advancing through economic and maritime pressure. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 617; Asian economic growth will destabilize the Western-dominated world order — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 331 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Rapid industrialization historically drives major powers toward expansion and imperialism #complicates (0.74) — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 615