ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the last constitutive element of grand strategy, namely, teleology. This element succeeds national political narrative. Whereas political narratives of a grand strategy answer the question of “why” and therefore provide a reason, teleology answers the question of “what for”, and must provide an aspiration. This element of grand strategy is about purpose, which is a step beyond the material objectives of a grand strategy. The question of purpose is significant and relevant in the context of international relations. Given the nature of the international system, states with preponderance of capabilities stand a better chance of infusing into the system, their aspiration for the world. China is amassing such capabilities. This reality justifies the interest in the question of China’s purpose for the world. The chapter, therefore, seeks to decipher China’s teleology.
