重思网络技术对国际体系变革的影响

Rethinking the Impacts of Information Technologies on the Transformation of the International System

本文围绕网络技术对国际政治究竟带来何种影响的问题,以国际体系为着眼点,从排列原则、单元特性和能力分配三个方面考察了网络技术的变革意义,认为网络技术虽带来一些新元素新现象,但其对国际体系变革的整体影响仍然有限。在排列原则上,网络空间展现出多重权威结构并行发展的态势。在单元特性上,网络技术虽然使更多的非国家行为体参与到国际事务中,但国家行为体在网络时代的国际体系中仍然扮演着主导角色。而从能力分配来看,网络技术并没有从根本上改变传统权力结构的现状。在某种程度上,网络空间内嵌于国际体系的诸多进程之中,并受到后者的约束和塑造。重新思考网络技术与国际体系的互动关系,有助于科学审视网络空间安全等新的难题。

There has been an ongoing debate over the impacts of information technologies on international politics.Starting from a perspective of international system,this paper examines the transformational meanings of information technologies in three aspects–ordering principle,properties of units,and distribution of capabilities.It shows that,despite the new elements and phenomenon it has brought about,Internet technology produces only limited effects on international system.With regard to the ordering principle,cyberspace is characterized by paralleling authoritative structures.Information technologies have empowered non-state actors in participating in international affairs,while state actors still prevail in the cyber international system.Moreover,these technologies have not brought fundamental changes to traditional power structure in international politics.To some extent,cyberspace is embedded in,and shaped by,the various processes that constitute the international system.Rethinking the interactive relationship between information technologies and the international system would provide new insights into cyber security and other issues.China should further recognize the complexities of the global governance structure in cyberspace,and promote flexible claims for cyber governance.Meanwhile,it should promote the development of a new security regime at the international level to solve the security dilemma in cyberspace.