Western international relations theory often assumes a world order shaped by checks and balances, preventing any single power from achieving universal domination. This perspective, largely drawn from the European historical experience, may not be universally applicable. Ancient China presents a compelling case study where universal domination was, in fact, realized. To truly understand the dynamics of international politics, we must compare modern China with ancient China and challenge Eurocentric biases, recognizing that alternative trajectories, including paths to domination, are not only possible but historically evident.
One should not automatically consider the European balance of power system as the standard and treat ancient China as an anomaly. Realist theories, while valuable, tend to overemphasize structural constraints that supposedly prevent domination, such as the balance of power and the increasing costs of expansion. However, when we compare modern China with ancient China, we observe that ancient Chinese states, vying for supremacy, ultimately achieved universal domination under imperial rule. This historical outcome suggests that mechanisms facilitating domination are equally, if not more, critical to consider.
Ancient China’s path to unification was paved with strategic interactions that prioritized domination. Strategies such as divide-and-conquer, ruthless military tactics, and consistent self-strengthening reforms proved effective in overcoming obstacles to universal rule. These approaches directly countered the mechanisms of balance of power. By focusing on strategic agency and interactive processes, we can see that universal domination is not an outlier but a potential outcome in international politics, as demonstrated by ancient China. Comparing modern China with ancient China, therefore, pushes us to broaden our theoretical frameworks.
In conclusion, contrasting the historical trajectory of ancient China with the assumptions of balance-of-power theory reveals crucial insights for understanding international relations. The ancient Chinese experience demonstrates that universal domination is a tangible possibility, achieved through strategic actions and adaptations. As we analyze the evolving role of modern China on the global stage, understanding the historical precedents and alternative pathways to international order, beyond the balance of power, becomes increasingly vital. This comparison between modern China with ancient China encourages a more dynamic and less Eurocentric understanding of international political dynamics.
