ABSTRACT
Against the backdrop of an emerging cold war between the United States and China, this chapter analyses the role of China in processes of autocratization in South Asia. It is argued that despite the transformation to a more assertive foreign policy under president Xi Jinping, China has not actively been promoting autocratization abroad. Nevertheless, with Xi’s vision of a “community of common destiny” for mankind, China is acting more as a leader and role model for countries in the Global South. Even in the absence of “push factors” for autocratization, it is feasible that China’s developmental model may resonate with other countries’ elites and officials. As a “pull factor” China could thus contribute to domestic processes of autocratization in South Asian countries.
