Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

12-2022

Abstract

This study examines the international relations theory (IRT) of Daoism, one of Asia’s long-standing traditions to have theorized international politics. Drawing upon Laozi’s Dao De Jing, this study elucidates two Daoist IR theories. First, Laozi provides a state-focused guo-based IRT for conducting foreign policy and managing inter-state relations with emphasis on yielding and softness to overcome violence and domination. Second, Laozi offers a Utopian and globalist tianxia-centered IRT based on following the Dao whereby inter-state rivalry is dissolved in favor of peaceful planetary governance in harmony with the natural rhythms of the cosmos. Whereas previous scholarship often concentrates on only one of these two scenarios, I argue the two visions are tightly connected with the more pragmatic first theory envisioned as a stepping stone to obtaining the second. This link demonstrates how Daoism offers a sophisticated non-Western IRT with relevance to addressing planetary challenges today.

Discipline

Comparative Politics | Politics and Social Change

Research Areas

Sociology; Political Science

Publication

International Relations of the Asia-Pacific

ISSN

1470-482X

Identifier

10.1093/irap/lcac015

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy E - Oxford Open Option B

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/irap/lcac015

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