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Abstract:

What kind of distinctive international order existed in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods that prevented the phenomenon and practice of “might makes right” and “small states having no diplomacy” from being carried out thoroughly? Mainstream international relations theories, such as hegemonic stability theory and balance-of-power cost arguments, fail to adequately explain this phenomenon in the Pre-Qin era. Alternative theories based on exceptionalism provide partial explanations but lack universality. In this context, this article draws on the Confucian thought of li and yue (propriety and harmony,礼乐) in the Liji to Construct a theoretical branch of Tianxiaism, namely the “Ordered Tianxia” theory, to explain the existence of this distinctive order. At the same time, the study offers implications for contemporary dominant powers and aspiring hegemons in building international order. It argues that certain hegemonic behaviors reflect the ideas of li and yue: propriety and harmony generate order, thereby forming an ordered international system. Li Constrains the behavior of states such that great powers protect small states, small states support great powers, and both respect one another. Methodologically, this research applies social network analysis to examine the war and alliance networks of the Pre-Qin international system and conducts case comparisons of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin. The findings Confirm that the phenomenon of “Ordered Tianxia” did exist and functioned in shaping the international order of that era.

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