再谈美国对外交往的历史传统——以现实主义与理想主义的关系为例

On the U.S. Historical Tradition of Foreign Activities——A Case Study of the Relationship between Realism and Idealism

美国自立国以来,在对外交往活动中就明显地体现出现实主义和理想主义两种不同的发展倾向。但是两者都是围绕着美国发展的主线"天命观"与扩张意识而展开的,都是以美国国家利益为最高目标和最终落脚点,只是在特定时段或某个具体历史事件的处理上比较偏重于一种倾向,另一种倾向则处于隐性或辅助地位。现实主义使得美国在维护和扩张国家利益的实践中走得稳、行得快,偏向于能够切实获取物质性的利益和好处,而理想主义能使美国站得高、看得远,偏向于注重使其不迷失自我,突显其存在的价值和意义。两种外交传统如同是两条腿走路,相辅相成、缺一不可。

Since its independence,the U. S. foreign activities obviously have shown two different development tendencies,realism and idealism. Both work according to the main development line of ＂View of Fate＂and expansion,taking country interest as the highest and ultimate goal. In some specific periods or during some historical events,emphasis was put on different tendencies with the other one hidden or supporting. Realism helps the U. S. to develop steadily and fast in the maintenance and expansion of national interest,and get effective access to the material interests and benefits,while idealism provides a higher platform for the U. S. to stand high and see far,and focuses on the value and significance of its existence. These two diplomatic traditions are the two legs of people,which are complementary and indispensable.