How do different cultural understandings of trust affect the potential for trusting relationships in international relations?

An examination of the under-researched cultural aspect of forming trusting relationships between states, focusing on US-Chinese relations in contemporary points of conflict. This research will draw upon both existing conceptions of trust in international relations theory, and an in-depth examination of the cultural influences and diversities presented within and between the United States and China. It is hoped this research will contribute a better understanding of how to navigate highly contested issues between nuclear-armed states in points of crisis.