Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Why China Has Not Caught Up Yet: Military-Technological Superiority, Systems Integration, and the Challenges of Imitation, Reverse Engineering, and Cyber-Espionage
Summary
Contrary to the belief that globalization and the information age make closing the military-technological gap easier, an exponential increase in the complexity of technology has made imitation increasingly difficult. In the second industrial age, Imperial Germany built a big-gun battleship comparable to the British Dreadnought that challenged Britain’s superiority. Today, China struggles to upgrade its jet fighters to rival those of the United States. Imitation no longer saves time or money given massive barriers to entry and ever-increasing technological complexity.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Andrea Gilli and Mauro Gilli, “Why China Has Not Caught Up Yet: Military-Technological Superiority, Systems Integration, and the Challenges of Imitation, Reverse Engineering, and Cyber-Espionage,” International Security, Vol. 43, No. 3 (Winter 2018/19), pp. 141–189, https://doi.org/10.1162/ISEC_a_00337.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Report
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Democracy and the Liberal World Order Amid the Rise of Authoritarianism
Analysis & Opinions
- WIRED
Brace Yourself for a Tidal Wave of ChatGPT Email Scams
Report
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Technology Primer: Social Media Recommendation Algorithms
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Journal Article
- Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Policy Brief
- Quarterly Journal: International Security
Nonfatal Casualties and the Changing Costs of War
Summary
Contrary to the belief that globalization and the information age make closing the military-technological gap easier, an exponential increase in the complexity of technology has made imitation increasingly difficult. In the second industrial age, Imperial Germany built a big-gun battleship comparable to the British Dreadnought that challenged Britain’s superiority. Today, China struggles to upgrade its jet fighters to rival those of the United States. Imitation no longer saves time or money given massive barriers to entry and ever-increasing technological complexity.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.Andrea Gilli and Mauro Gilli, “Why China Has Not Caught Up Yet: Military-Technological Superiority, Systems Integration, and the Challenges of Imitation, Reverse Engineering, and Cyber-Espionage,” International Security, Vol. 43, No. 3 (Winter 2018/19), pp. 141–189, https://doi.org/10.1162/ISEC_a_00337.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Democracy and the Liberal World Order Amid the Rise of Authoritarianism
Analysis & Opinions - WIRED
Brace Yourself for a Tidal Wave of ChatGPT Email Scams
Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Technology Primer: Social Media Recommendation Algorithms
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Journal Article - Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Policy Brief - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Nonfatal Casualties and the Changing Costs of War