1. On the methodology for Analysing International Politics and the rise of China

       Xun Zi's political thought has had a significant influence on the trajectory of China's rise. Today, the rise of this great power has raised concerns for the international community, in which the United States currently is a hegemony. Therefore, China must become a respected nation by achieving “The True Kingship”, a position attained in their quest for a safer and more peaceful world order. Sun Tzu believed that, for a country, political power is the most important factor, manifested through the ideas of the ruler and ministers. Similarly, on a global scale, the stability of the international political system depends entirely on the nature of great powers—which determines whether a nation’s 'kingship' (wangdao) is righteous or not. The decisive factor in the current state of international politics is also the ruling country.

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2. Xun Zi on International Politics

2.1. Understanding the Power of a State

       In his works, Xun Zi believed that the state was both a unit actor of international politics and an of internal governance. Compared to the feudal lords who ran small states, the Sons of Heaven held thousands of offices to execute orders in countries of the Xia Chinese traditions, and thus had far greater power. Because the state was both the greatest implement and heaviest burden in the world, the selection of the qualities and abilities of the “Ministers” - those who govern the country, would relate directly to the increase or decrease in state power. In international relations, Sun Tsu believed that the foundation of national security was the principled foreign relations, which is determined by its good relations with other states - something that could not be maintained sustainably and permanently by economic provisions (e.g by using valuable and precious goods). Therefore, no matter how immense the economic and military power is, it will be meaningless without a strong political foundation, and the most effective way of strengthening the state is through moral and ethic principles.

 

2.2. Understanding International Authority

       According to Xun Zi, “tianxia” refers to the world, but the key is to “you tianxia,” meaning to achieve the leadership role on a global scale. To truly gain control over the world (not just in name), one must have power. Xun Zi believed that power has three different natures: power based on righteous kingship, where a leader must have legitimacy, wisdom, and moral authority; power based on hegemony, which relies on the ruler's persistent efforts to uphold principles and establish trust; and power based on hard strength (military), which involves aggressive military actions and territorial conquests.

       Overall, Xun Zi emphasized that the morality of a leader is the most crucial factor, while military force serves as a supplement in building national strength. If a ruler governs with righteousness, the world will remain stable for a long time without the need for war.

 

2.3. Understanding International Order

       Xun Zi believed that “humans are inherently evil”, with almost limitless greed. The process of competing for benefits to satisfy such desire will inevitably lead to violent conflicts. When mere material wealth cannot satisfy human avarice, social norms are needed to control the inherent nature, thereby avoiding social disorder. Therefore, it is necessary to establish personal moral disciplinary rules (ritual principles), to synchronize the government, and more broadly, to advance towards global norms to maintain world order.

       He proposes a hierarchical division between countries to prevent conflicts due to the difference in strength of each country. International norms applied to major powers must be strict, while those applied to small countries are more flexible. Such an order will maintain the balance of power and responsibility between countries; thereby, minimizing conflicts and enhancing international cooperation. This is an unequal but fair international norm. Also, it is contrary to the Westphalian principle that sovereign states are legally equal in the international relations system.

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(Posted in June 2025)​

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AUTHORS

Truong Tran Thai Duy, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 50th cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Luan, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 50th cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Nguyen Thuy Dung, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 50th cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

​Le Hoang Linh, English Faculty, 51st cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

 

REFERENCE

Xuetong, Y. (2008). Xun Zi’s Thoughts on International Politics and Their Implications. The Chinese Journal of International Politics, 2(1), pp.135–165. https://doi.org/10.1093/cjip/pon005.