Analytical Work on Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong

In analytical work, the author will analyze a work of Yan Xuetong (YXT) in Theory Talk # 51: Yan
Xuetong. In an essay entitled "Yan Xuetong on Chinese Realism, the Tsinghua School of International
Relations, and the Impossibility of Harmony" authors can see more whole position YXT, before this,
the author had read the book "Analysis of China's National Interests", book written by YXT in 1998 has
become a reference for students of international relations in Indonesia. Now, with this paper, the
most interesting is when YXT explained about the Chinese Modern Power with what YXT call the
humane authority.
In analytical work, the author will do a stage in four parts as follows, first, what the author know in
Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong, secondly, what authors do not know in Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong,
a third, fresh idea from Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong, and the last, fourth, unclear what the author
fell in Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong.
1. What author know in Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong
In this paper YXT positioning itself as a realist. For realists there are some basic ideas and assumptions,
such as: (1) Pessimistic views on human nature; (2) a conviction that international relations are always
conflictual and international conflict that was finally resolved by the war; (3) to uphold the values of
the national security and survival; and (4) the basic Skepticism that there is progress in international
politics that is comparable to that in the domestic political life. The ideas and Assumptions it directs
the mind's most prominent realist IR theory, both past and present (Jackson and Sorensen, 2003). In
Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong, various opinions YXT very in tune with the basic ideas and Assumptions
Realist.
This can be seen when YXT answered regarding the most important debate in International today. YXT
said that the key issue is the relationship between China and US, then China's Peaceful Rise and
Modern China Power. With the third diplomatically answers YXT description is based realist thought
that humans or the state will always do competitive relations with each other.
Back view of the realists like Thucydides, Machiavelli and Hobbes, they share some points of
views. They are believed that the goal of the power, the means of power and the uses of power are a
central preoccupation of the political activity in International politics. Rivalry, conflict and war
between states, the which the same basic problems of defending the national interest and ensuring
the continued survival of the state Themselves repeat over and over again (Jackson and Sorensen,
2003).
In this section can be seen that for YXT did not mention Rivalry, conflict and war between China and
the United States in depth. But by reading the arguments put forward, was already going rivalry and
conflict but it is impossible for a war between the two countries.
Furthermore, when the next question of "How did you arrive at where you currently are in your
thinking about IR?". YXT in this case to say that the debate on the creation of Chinese theory of
international relations that trigger. For YXT it is unnecessary because he believed what he had in
international relations must be universal, not only for China. Additionally, YXT find many roads in the
thinking of scholars of International relations, so YXT want to test international relations using the
native tradition of china. Finally, with the travel history of the nation itself is easier to understand for
most of the nations of Asia.
From the answers it can be understood that YXT closely related in maintaining the independence of
the nation of china that can be considered of national interest. As quoted from William C Olson who
1 azmi muharom

has insisted Several definitions and understanding of national interests, according to some experts as
follows: Robert Osgoof declared of national interest is a situation that benefits for the state is
desired. Motive Generally is national egoism that leads people to Consider the welfare of the nation,
while Charles Beard quoted from the same source stated national interests is the goal as stated in
official documents state, all five the goals from agriculture, industry to the armed forces, all included
as the national interest (Olson, 1987).
The question that arises then is, what is your thoughts on the new theory of international relations,
thought using china tradition and the history of his own nation is one of national interest?
To answer this question let's read James F. Miskel, which states that the definitions of national interest
by experts divided on two playing references. Otto von Bismarck and Richard Nixon Agreed definition
of national interests in terms of strength (power) in the country to give effect to Reviews those of
other countries, the most important form in a real strength for this flow is the military. Vladimir I.
Lenin and Woodrow Wilson had different reference by Stating that National interest is the state's
ability to promote the positions and values of egalitarianism in national self-determination and
economic. National interests need to be defined more broadly to the values of intangible valuable as
human rights, freedom of economic deprivation, and free of disease (Miskel, 2002).
Based on the above opinion, the answers YXT in this case, on the thinking of the new theory of
international relations, thought using china tradition and the history of the nation itself. Of course it
is based on a sense of nationalism and the pursuit of national interest YXT china in the world, the
world of international relations scholars.
In YXT final words of advice? He stated as follows: "We have more and more people working to create
theories of international relations by studying ancient Chinese thought. You may have noticed that we
are publishing more and more theoretical Articles in the CJIP many of the which have more powerful
explanatory power than that of Alexander Wendt". In the author's opinion is clear that YXT is a realist
who was put forward to national interest.
Recently the question: What would a student need to Become a specialist in IR. It is also the case that
the author has to know, but did YXT arranging his opinion in a simple way.
YXT first opinion is about achieving the national interest through the nation's independence. Actually,
India and China have had Reviews their archeology and their ancient history to the world of
international relations. By digging deeper into the Chinese philosophy and Indian philosophy, YXT
believe can deeply enrich and develop modern IR theory.
In a second opinion, YXT answered with a more methodological point. For him using the positivist
studies following the scientific method, is the main thing though other methodologies is needed.
However, YXT said in today's world using the scientific method is more efficient than any other,
because it helps the make clearer.
A few questions later in his Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong, tells about the experiences and opinions
of various books. In the discussions, because the things that are new, some authors agree and some
do not agree with the author, the author will discuss later sections.
2. What authors do not know in Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong
Not a lot of things that the author does not agree with the writings YXT. This can happen because the
author has made various works YXT as a benchmark in researching China. The author had written
bachelor work entitled "China's foreign policy toward Taiwan on the Economic Cooperation
2 azmi muharom

Framework Agreement 2010", a little more the result of analysis is based on the author of the opinion
YXT result of structural realism.
In some opinions, the author is more likely to feel hesitant than disagree. For example, in the
explanation on the future of china, When YXT argued -based on Chinese thought-: "we can divide
'hegemony' into three types: humane authority, hegemony, and tyranny. Certainly China will not be a
tyrannical superpower". The author even feels a little confused by fact that happened.
Let us begin to describe hegemony, when YXT said that the tyrannical use oppressive and controlling,
Hegemony using a double standard, and humane authority to use transparency and Credibility. Then
China in the modern world can be categorized into three, depending on where we looked at.
Author bit doubts future of china as a hegemony that humane authority due to two serious
issues. South china sea conflict issue and the issue of ethnic Uighurs in the Xinjiang Uighur
Autonomous Region (XUAR).
South China Sea is the part from the Pacific Ocean with 3,500,000 km sector extending from the
Southwestern to the Northeast, from Singapore to the Strait of Taiwan, the countries bordering to this
sea are Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan,
Thailand, and Vietnam (Sucipto, 2013). Dispute arises in this region since 1947, when China published
a map the which claims most of the South China Sea region. The historical reason Became the basis of
the Chinese claim that the archipelagos have been a territory of China since the Han Dynasty (206-220
BC). China's claim was challenged by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan is in
dispute over the Paracel Archipelagos. Meanwhile, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam
and Brunei dispute Paracel Archipelagos (Wirasuta, 2013).
China's reluctance to refer to international law in the EEZ and UNCLOS, as well as military use and
natural resources unilaterally on islands disputed describe tyrannical attitude and hegemony.
On the other hand, the issue of ethnic Uighurs in the XUAR has impacted the unrest in China and
spread to cause adverse effects by ethnic Uyghurs in Bangkok and Jakarta as new regional terrorist
landscape in Asia. In response to Reviews These events, the Chinese government has issued a new
policy with namely, Second Central Xinjiang Work Forum in 2014 (Famularo, 2015). There is a bright
spot in the resolution of the issue of the Uighurs, but still only in terms of conflict resolution studies,
cultural violence and structural violence are not completely resolved.
Back to the initial discussion, whether china including humane authority, hegemony, and tyranny? It
will be answered by the success of china resolve major issues in the South China Sea and Xinjiang.
Further discussion of the criticism of the Chinese government, conflict in International relations and
so on, the authors appreciate YXT opinion, because with a simple explanation, facts and theories put
forward by the excellent and indisputable.
3. Fresh idea from Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong
Stout fresh new idea that writers know in this paper. Writers like to quote YXT statements about China
and international relations.
In commenting on the possibility of a third world war YXT argues: "The reason is not Because China is
'nicer' or the Chinese are 'more civilized' than others; rather, the main underlying factor is the
destructive power of nuclear weapons". Reflecting on the events of the cold war, the real answer to
this is old wine in the new bottle. But the argument about the international status or international
dominance it has now become relevant to be reapplied.
3 azmi muharom

Furthermore, in commenting on the competition between China and the USA, YXT argued: "it's a
football game rather than a boxing match". Although there are similarities in the previous argument
the reasons why the world war did not take place, here YXT argued back using the metaphor and the
fact that proved to be true.
Another interesting comment regarding the new hegemony YXT, YXT argues: "Humane authority
works differently by making judgments According to principles, criteria unanimous, and not using a
double standard. Currently we cannot identify any major powers as a humane authority, but I do
believe China ought to be this kind of state". Many who claim Asian century will soon arrive. But the
approach YXT saying china strategies that drove him into hegemony is something new and very
interesting to investigate.
Lastly YXT following quote: "we realists do not believe the world can be harmonious" can be a major
conclusion. Although every country in the world greedy for leadership, however, a common desire to
establish international norms can be a temporary answer. To create new international norms there
are three approaches: Make yourself an example. Second: Punish Reviews those who violate the
norms, and thirdly: protect and encourage reviews those who abide by the norms. If the world cannot
Achieve international goal just by setting an example, then the second approach is acceptable.
4. Unclear fell in Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong
For the author, there are three questions for discussion has not explained in his Theory Talk # 51: Yan
Xuetong.
First, if China should Consider placing more emphasis on international responsibility, international
leadership and making alliances and moral norms for the world. Is socialism with Chinese
characteristics acceptable international world?
Secondly, it is still the Chinese characteristic, such as in the book Ancient Chinese Thought, Modern
Chinese Power, why figures and historical events in China is not so popular in the study of international
relations.
Third, the key questions on global politics and economic. What will change when China take a leading
position globally?
Reading Theory Talk # 51: Yan Xuetong is a very interesting thing for writers. As a closing comment,
Deng Xiaoping once remarked: "Keep a cool head and maintain a low profile. Never take the lead - but
aim to do something big". For the author, China is already in the correct position in the international
world, please go back to the understanding of national identity china, even if literally interpret the
word china, Zhonggou means Middle Kingdom.

4 azmi muharom

References

http://www.theory-talks.org/2012/11/theory-talk-51.html
Olson, W. (1987). The Theory and practice of international relations. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: PrenticeHall.
Yan xue tong, (2010). Guo ji zheng zhi ke xue/ Analysis of Chinas National Interests. California : James
Martin CNS
Miskel, James F. (2002). National Interests: Grand Purposes or Catchphrases? in Naval War College
Review, Vol. LV, No. 4, Rhode Island,
Jackson, R. H., & Srensen, G. (2003). Introduction to international relations: Theories and approaches.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Purn. Sucipto, L. (2013). Bagaimana Kita Memandang Laut Cina Selatan. Jalasena, Jurnal TNI Angkatan
Laut, iii.

5 azmi muharom