国际关系理论之于中国古代国家间关系研究的适用性问题

International relations theories and applicability in the study of inter-state relations of ancient China

越来越多的中外学者将西方国际关系理论应用于对中国古代国家间关系的分析中,但国际关系理论的适用范围存在一定的限度,国际关系理论在应用于分析中国古代国家间关系时必须谨慎使用。有些中国古代政治行为体间的关系不适合用西方国际关系理论来研究,有些中国古代政治行为体间的关系也不适合作为部分理论的案例。尽管很多学者已经注意到了这个问题,但判断上述适用性的前提,是对中国古代国家间关系的性质及其演变过程做完整而系统的分析。以处于"分裂格局"中的行为体关系为例,对这种适用性进行分析认为,尽管西方国际关系理论的话语未必适合对中国的研究,但只要能够找到合适的过滤方法,就可以最大可能地将其作为分析工具,这可能是未来的一项重要研究议程。

Western international relations theories are being increasingly applied in the analysis of the inter-state relations in ancient China.However,there exist boundaries and limitations as to the applicability of international relations theories.Western international relations theories cannot be applied for the study of quite a few cases of the inter-state relations of ancient China,and conversely,some inter-state cases cannot support the soundness and validity of these theories.Many scholars noticed this point very early.More importantly,we should make a complete and systematic analysis of the characteristics of inter-state relations of ancient China by taking into account various historical periods,which is the premise of the evaluation of the application of international relations theories.Taking the inter-state relation of ＂configuration within a divided country＂ as an example,the author seeks to analyze the applicability of international relations theories.Additionally,the author argues that western international relations theories can be an effective analytical tool when appropriate filter methods are used.This last point may serve as a future research agenda.