Lecture Notes: Beyond Geopolitics - A New Framework for Sino-American Relations

Introduction

• Conference held at Tsinghua University.
• Aim: To build a new framework for Sino-American Relations.
• Key participants: Tsinghua University, University of Chicago Beijing Center.

Key Speakers

Professor John Mearsheimer

• Distinguished political science professor at the University of Chicago.
• Known for works like "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" and "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy".
• Viewed as a foremost realist scholar in international politics.

Professor Yang Shui-Tang

• Dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University.
• Chief editor of the Chinese Journal of International Politics.
• Leading scholar in international politics in China.

Central Question

• Can China rise peacefully?
• Considered the central question in international politics today.

Arguments and Theories

John Mearsheimer's Perspective

• Main Argument: China cannot rise peacefully due to structural reasons in the international system.
• Theory: Based on realism, focuses on states maximizing power in an anarchic world.
  • States aim to be regional hegemons and prevent others from becoming peer competitors.
• Historical Context: Compares China’s rise to the historical behavior of the United States.
• Predictions: Expects China to seek regional hegemony and push the US out of Asia.
  • Foresees intense security competition with potential for conflict.

Yang Shui-Tang's Perspective

• Common Ground with Mearsheimer: Agrees on basic assumptions about state behavior and security dilemmas.
• Differences:
  • Believes in alternative strategies for China to rise without conflict.
• China's Strategy: Emphasis on economic cooperation and neighborhood diplomacy.
  • Promotes the concept of "Fate Community" and moral realism over offensive realism.
• Role of Morality: Suggests China's rise involves different moral values and strategies compared to the West.

Discussion Points

• Security and Power:
  • Mearsheimer stresses the importance of maximizing power for security.
  • Yang emphasizes economic strategies and regional cooperation.
• Potential for Conflict:
  • Mearsheimer predicts inevitable conflict and intense competition.
  • Yang hopes for reduced conflicts through economic interdependence and strategic diplomacy.

Conclusion

• Both speakers agree on the potential for intense competition but differ on the likelihood and nature of conflict.
• Nuclear weapons and globalization are seen as mitigating factors for potential wars.
• The debate highlights contrasting views on the role of morality and economic power in international relations.