Probing into the Theories on the Rise of Great Powers

The existent international relations theory has not given a clear defi- nition of "the rise of great powers," and "rising" is also not a fun- damental concept in international relations or world politics. However, for whatever version of international relations history, it must be a re- counting of the relations between countries that rise and fall; and for whatever international relations theory, it must admit the fact that the rise and fall of great powers is one of the natural laws character…     

To Our Readers

Contemporary International Relations, the English journal published by China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is now 15 years old. Since its conception as the first Chinese journal in English covering the field of international relations, it has presented to our readers numerous articles written by the research fellows of our institutes on the subjects of international affairs, international relations, and international relations theories.     

To Our Readers

Contemporary International Relations, the English journal published by China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is now 15 years old. Since its conception as the first Chinese journal in English covering the field of international relations, it has presented to our readers numerous articles written by the research fellows of our institutes on the subjects of international affairs, international relations, and international relations theories.     

New Relations Between Major Powers

In recent years, the ＂new-type relationship between major powers＂ ,has become a hot-topic term in the studies of internationalpolitics and international relations. Why is it necessary to build a new-type relationship between major powers？ What are the essence and the connotation of such relationship？ How to build it against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world that is undergoing a profound structural reform and the evolving balance of international forces in international relations in all fields and at all levels？     

China and the World in the Perspective of Global New Public Diplomacy

正Since the 1990s,the development of globalization and information technology has been changing the political ecology of traditional international relations.The all-round and close communication and competition in terms of communication competence among nation-states promoted the constant change of international power system     

Probing into the Theories on the Rise of Great Powers

The existent international relations theory has not given a clear definition of “the rise of great powers,“ and “rising“ is also not a fundamental concept in international relations or world politics. However, for whatever version of international relations history, it must be a recounting of the relations between countries that rise and fall; and for whatever international relations theory, it must admit the fact that the rise and fall of great powers is one of the natural laws characterized international relations development. As Paul Kennedy puts it, the “relative strengths of the leading nations in world affairs never remain constant, principally because of the uneven rate of growth among different societies and of the technological and organizational breakthroughs which bring a greater advantage to one society than to another.“① Therefore, it can be said that theories related to “the rise of great powers“ are so common, particularly concentrating on the possible influence of the rising power and its relations with war, the means and policies to deal with it as well as how to realize the peaceful transition of power. This article intends to explore and summarize all these theories and also make some comments based on the rise of China.……     

Religion in Contemporary International Relations

Religion plays an increasingly explicit role in contemporary international politics, and the process of globalization serves to amplify its impact on international relations and domestic politics of many countries. Ever since the end of the Cold War one has seen more or less religious background against and dynamics underlying virtually all major international events,     

Uncertainties Caused by Violation of Tradition

Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has become the only "superpower" in the world, and its global strategy has exerted significant impact on the international situation. This has caught wide attention of scholars and analysts on international relations. Generally speaking, America has kept a relatively stable national strategic objective in the post-Cold War years, namely, to maintain its "leading position in the world" as long as possible. To put it in detail, strategically,     

日韩“冷战”的原因与影响(英文)

<正>As one of the most essential bilateral relations in Northeast Asia,the relationship between Japan and the Republic of Korea has significant effects on both regional and international relations.However,"cold"political and economic ties between the two countries have persisted     

Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership

In recent years, the international strategic situation has been undergoing tremendous changes, while the pattern of international strategy has also experienced a profound shift. India-Russia relations have also been changing. As an important phenomenon in contemporary international politics, the relationship between India and Russia deserves close attention.     

The Three Images of Sino-U.S. Relations

In the early 1950s, Kenneth W. Waltz＇s book Man, State and War laid the cornerstone for a new branch of international relations theory called the Level of Analysis. The author of this paper believes that Sino-U.S. relations can be studied in a similar multi-dimensional way. Among Waltz＇s three images, the world strategic structure, i.e. the international image, has been the most decisive factor in the development of Sino-U.S. relations over most of the past 40 years.     

“Taiwan Security Enhancement Act”is a Dangerous Political Bill

On February 1st, the US House of Representatives openly passed the so-calledTaiwan Security Enhancement Act" (TSEA), in disregard of the Chinesegovernment's firm opposition and solemn representation, the overall situation ofUS-China relations and the accepted criterion of international relations. It not onlycrudely infringes China's sovereignty but also tremendously undermines the recov-ering relations between the US and China. The Chinese government has shown itsstrong indignation and objection to it.     

Surpassing the Cold War Mentality

Five years have passed since September 11. What has been the influence of these events on international relations? What has changed in the world since then? The majority of scholars hold that the September 11 terrorist attacks were essentially a key event, a "turning point" in the international strategy transformation after the Cold War.Yet some others believe that the September 11 terrorist attacks cannot have had so profound an impact on international relations. For example, in America's Foreign Policy, most articles commemorating the fifth anniversary of September 11 fall into the second category. These articles suggest that, five years after September 11, security issues have not slowed down the pace of globalization; potential strategic competition among the big powers has not been weakened due to their cooperation in counter-terrorism and international terrorist organizations, represented by Al Qaeda, still exist. Meanwhile, many proturning-point scholars think that, after September 11, terrorism has become the main threat to international security and that the strategic focuses of major powers have also undergone a big adjustment, valuing cooperation over competition. There is even a saying that "the central content of international relations is to meet challenges from the non-state actors represented by terrorism."     

To our Readers

Contemporary International Relations, the English journal published by China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is now 15 years old. Since its conception as the first Chinese journal in English covering the field of international relations, it has presented to our readers numerous articles written by the research fellows of our institutes on the subjects of international affairs, international relations, and international relations theories. We have received numerous letters of encouragement and positive comments. We have also gotten letters in which our readers have given their opinions on what they would like to see in this journal. Some readers pointed out to us the mistakes in the translation. Other readers noted the occasional delay in delivery or even missing issues. We are grateful to those who have always supported us. We also feel the need to improve for those who have not been totally satisfied with our journal.     

英文内容摘要

1.Building a Diplomatic Theorectical System with Chinese Characteristi by Professor Xia Liping, Dean, College of Politics and International Relations, Tongji University, Shanghai, and a Ph.D. tutor. Since the founding of New China, its diplomacy has undergone three historical stages： one, putting particular attention to reveal the aggressive nature and policies of the imperialists and superpower; two, shifting the stress onto gaining a long-term peaceful international environment for the realization of the four modernizations; three, comprehensively merging with the international community for realizing a ＂harmonious world＂. The mission entrusted to us by the times is： to sum up experiences and lessons in the studies of international relations and diplomatic theories during the past 60 years since the founding of New China and to absorb the best of the Chinese traditional culture and the excellent achievements of the Western international relations and diplomatic theories, so as to set up a mode of international relations theory with Chinese characteristics.     

China''s Role in the World

China's role in the world has become an important topic of discussion among international relations experts. Debate over the issue has persisted in the Chinese academic community since the mid-90s, ① and to this day studies continue to delve deeper.     

China＇s Foreign Strategy： Constantly Deepening and Broadening

China has been constantly deepening and broadening foreign strategy in accordance with the changes of the world situation. With the Fourth Plenary Session of the Seventeenth CPC Central Committee, the Eleventh Diplomatic Envoy Conference and the Central Economic Working Conference as opportunities, the CPC Central Committee has made a series of new explanations and judgements on China＇s foreign strategy in the new era. China＇s external work has also entered a new period of great development. China has made substantial progress in countering the international financial crisis, promoting global issues such as climate change, maintaining the steady development of relations with major global powers and solidifying its strategy of reliance on surrounding countries. China＇s international status and influence has scaled new heights.     

To Our Readers

Contemporary International Relations, the English journal published by China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is now 15 years old. Since its conception as the first Chinese journal in English covering the field of international relations, it has presented to our readers numerous articles written by the research fellows of our institutes on the subjects of international affairs, international relations, and international relations theories. We have received numerous letters of encouragement and positive comments. We have also gotten letters in which our readers have given their opinions on what they would like to see in this journal. Some readers pointed out to us the mistakes in the translation. Other readers noted the occasional delay in delivery or even missing issues. We are grateful to those who have always supported us. We also feel the need to improve for those who have not been totally satisfied with our journal.     

Seeking Common Ground and Synergy for the Development of Africa

At present, Africa＇s political, economic, and social development has entered new historical stage. The integration process is pressing ahead steadily and the international influence of Africa is gradually increasing. The international community is paying unprecedented attention to Africa and cooperation with Africa has become an important topic in international relations.     

陆国忠文英译文

Ever since Sept. 11 events, international situation has undergone remarkable changes. Not only has the United States made major readjustments to its security strategy and foreign policy, but major powers in the world have also adjusted their foreign and security policies in order to adapt to the new development in international situation. In its effort to fight terrorism, the U.S. has to rely heavily on its allies, and in Asia it attaches much importance to the role Japan can play while the latter has given active support to the former in that war. The greater intimacy of the Japan- US relations has become even more outstanding in the recent interrelations of major powers in the Asia- Pacific region. This development and its effect on the international situation deserve to be reckoned with.