Towards Guanxi? Reconciling the “Relational Turn” in Western and Chinese International Relations Scholarship

Authors : Siyang LİU, Jeremy GARLİCK, Fangxing QİN

Pages : 67-85

Doi:10.20991/allazimuth.952841

View : 18 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2022-01-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In recent years, the “relational turn” in International Relations insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(IR); theory has attracted extensive attention. However, the limitations of the substantialist ontology of mainstream insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Western); IR theory means that it encounters difficulties and dilemmas in interpreting the evolving international system. Against the background of the rapid development of globalization and regional integration, the reality of world politics is constantly changing, and increasingly shows obvious characteristics of interconnection and high interdependence. In this context, there is insufficient research comparing the Western and non-Western versions of the “relational turn”. Relational ontology may be able to provide a bridge between Chinese Confucian philosophy, Western philosophy, Western sociology, and mainstream western IR theories capable of generating productive synergies. However, there are major theoretical and cultural obstacles to be overcome if a reconciliation of the Western and Chinese versions of relationalism is to be achieved.
Keywords : Relationality, guanxi, relational ontology, Confucianism, international relations IR, theory