In an era of accelerating energy transitions and rising geopolitical rivalries, such as those between China and the USA, a new paradigm is emerging in the global political economy which can be called the electrostate. In contrast to the traditional concept of a petrostate, which is typically reliant on fossil fuel exports, an electrostate is characterised by an economy that is dominated and driven by advancements in renewables, electrification of transport, and clean technology dominance. In the development of the electrostate, China stands firm as the global leader and archetype, positioning itself as a key innovator of electrostate-related technologies.
The transformation that has been undertaken in China has been achieved at a rapid and strategic pace, highlighted by a long-term strategy for competitiveness. Several facts can be cited to exemplify China’s emergence and development strategy in this field, such as a decade-long project involving the transformation and construction of ultra-high-voltage transmission lines, which has enabled a huge surge in renewable energy usage. Furthermore, in 2025 it was estimated that renewables accounted for over a quarter of China’s electricity generation, which experts have highlighted is double the share from just three years prior. This trend of electrification has extended across industrial sectors such as transportation, where more than 50 percent of passenger vehicles sold in 2025 were electric, with some projections showing a further increase to 73 percent by 2030. Through efficient and stringent regulations implemented by the government, it is predicted that buses, motorcycles, and trucks are following the same trend.
In regard to the international economy, the transformation that has taken place in China has positioned the country to be a leading force in what is known as the “new trio” of exports, which includes solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries. This dominance means that China stands firmly in control of key and efficient supply chains, allowing it to gain a competitive edge and flood markets with affordable prices and products. It is also important to highlight that, unlike disruptions that occur in petrostates, which normally lead to an immediate halt in economic activity, electrostate supply interruptions mainly affect future capacity and gradual additions, meaning they are seemingly more appealing for importers seeking energy security. Key examples include countries such as Brazil, Pakistan, and South Africa, which are among the key importers of emerging technologies from China and, in turn, are accelerating their own national energy transitions.
The political implications challenge the concept of a unipolar world led by the USA and give greater credence and weight to the idea of a multipolar world order. It is true that, for the time being, the USA firmly sits at the top as the world’s largest petrostate, especially through its expanded fossil fuel production and technological infrastructure. However, China is meeting this challenge by offering 21st-century electrification infrastructure and technologies at competitive prices, which has resulted in major commercial gains and a rise in soft power in related emerging markets. This is especially notable as the USA, under the Trump administration, continues to double down on the petrostate, ignoring emerging technologies that enable electrification, which could therefore lead to China becoming uncatchable in the inevitable future of the electrostate.
In relation to the global political economy, the electrostate and the trends of transformation leading to electrification bring forth multipolarity. However, these advantages also introduce new problems that must be overcome through innovation and new thinking, such as new forms of economic fragmentation and dependency. It is certain that if China is capable of following through with the predicted trends of electrification and ensuring its sustainability, there is potential for a shift in the balance of global power structures not seen since the 20th century.
BakuTiflis 