Book Review: The Future of Global Competition: Ontological Security and Narratives in Chinese, Russian, Venezuelan, and Iranian Media

Authors: Robert Hinck, Asya Cooley, Skye C. Cooley, Sara Kitsch
Published by: Routledge, 2022

Overview

In The Future of Global Competition, the authors explore how major global powers—China, Russia, Venezuela, and Iran—construct narratives about international competition and global order. The book employs the concept of ontological security (OS) to examine how these nations perceive their roles in shaping the future world order. Through a mixed-method approach analyzing over 600 news articles from 2014–2019, the study delves into how these countries construct national identities, respond to global anxieties, and communicate their positions on economic, political, and diplomatic affairs.

Key Themes

1. Ontological Security and Global Competition
   The book argues that global competition is not solely driven by economic or military power but by how nations understand themselves and their positions in the world. The concept of ontological security—the need for stable identities—plays a crucial role in how these states develop policies and respond to global shifts.

2. Narrative Analysis of Major Global Players

   • China: The book explores China’s cautious optimism about global competition, shaped by economic anxieties and concerns over Western influence.
   • Russia: Russian media constructs a “besieged fortress” narrative, portraying itself as a strong nation resisting Western aggression while engaging in global power plays.
   • Venezuela: Venezuelan narratives emphasize imperialist threats from the U.S., tying national identity to anti-Americanism and resistance.
   • Iran: Iran’s media presents a plurality of narratives, balancing religious identity, regional influence, and moral positioning against Western hegemony.

3. Impact of Media in Shaping National Identities
   The study emphasizes how state-controlled media in these nations construct narratives that reinforce national identities and influence public opinion. The media acts as a tool to provide ontological security by shaping perceptions of both domestic and international challenges.

4. Comparative Analysis and Future Implications
   The book contrasts how these countries project their narratives differently but share common themes of resistance to Western influence. It highlights how these narratives can shape foreign policy and global competition in the coming years.

Strengths of the Book

✅ Unique Theoretical Approach – The use of ontological security provides fresh insights into global power struggles.
✅ Mixed-Methods Research – Combining qualitative case studies with quantitative analysis of media narratives adds depth.
✅ Comparative Framework – Offers a cross-national perspective on media influence and strategic identity-building.

Potential Weaknesses

⚠️ Limited Scope – While focusing on China, Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, the book does not extensively discuss how Western media constructs its own narratives.
⚠️ Dense Theoretical Content – The heavy focus on ontological security may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the concept.

Conclusion

The Future of Global Competition is a thought-provoking analysis of how national narratives shape global competition. It is particularly relevant for scholars of international relations, media studies, and political communication. By exploring how China, Russia, Venezuela, and Iran view their positions in an evolving world order, the book offers valuable insights into future geopolitical trends.