Chinese Scholar Spotlights Middle Powers’ Ascendance and Evolving IR Theories
New Directions in Global Leadership: Insights from Professor Yan Xuetong
Astana, April 28 — As big powers retreat from their global leadership roles, the need for middle powers to come forward and drive subregional integration has become more pressing than ever. This was the key message delivered by Professor Yan Xuetong, a prominent Chinese political scientist and a leading thinker in international relations, during a recent lecture held in Astana.
Professor Yan, who serves as a distinguished professor and honorary dean at the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, is recognized as the founder of moral realism—a theory that places leadership values and strategic decision-making at the forefront of international politics. His lectures draw from his extensive body of work on global leadership and foreign policy, recognized globally, including his ranking among the world’s top 100 global thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine in 2008.
The event, organized by the Kazakhstan Council on International Relations and the Qalam multimedia project, forms part of a broader lecture series that has previously hosted scholars such as Barry Buzan and Parag Khanna.
Middle Powers on the Rise
In his address, Yan emphasized the increasing importance of middle powers, such as Kazakhstan, in fostering regional integration. He articulated, “When there is no leader, regional powers must step up to create regional markets and frameworks for cooperation.”
Yan specifically highlighted the deep and comprehensive relationship between China and Kazakhstan, stating that while China’s interactions with other Central Asian nations are largely confined to economic and border issues, its cooperation with Kazakhstan is multilayered and critical for regional integration.
Theoretical Gaps in International Relations
During the lecture, Yan also delved into his theory of moral realism. He criticized mainstream theories such as constructivism, liberalism, and classical realism for their shortcomings in explaining present global dynamics.
Constructivism, which emphasizes the significance of norms and ideas in shaping state behavior, has been challenged by recent trends of nationalism and the retreat from globalization. Yan pointed out that proponents of constructivism failed to account for these shifts, stating, “They do not expect a U-turn.”
On the other hand, liberalism is anchored in the belief that institutions can restrain bad policymaking; yet Yan questioned its effectiveness in face of the recent changes in U.S. foreign policy across different administrations.
The Logic of Moral Realism
Yan’s framework of moral realism posits that the character and values of national leaders fundamentally influence foreign policy decisions. He argued that leaders possess the power to shape or undermine institutions according to their moral preferences.
He stated, “So whatever the institution does depends on the leadership. If the leadership allows the institution to work, it works.” Even nations pursuing similar strategic goals may adopt differing approaches based on their leaders’ moral frameworks.
Leadership vs. National Interests
At the heart of Yan’s theory is the interplay between personal and national interests. He posited that not all leaders act in their nation’s best interest; moral leaders align their personal goals with national interests, while immoral leaders prioritize regime survival or personal gain.
For instance, Yan pointed out that some regimes isolate themselves from beneficial global engagements due to inner conflicts between regime and national security.
The Age of Counter-Globalization
Yan addressed the rise of counter-globalization, attributing it primarily to political leadership rather than structural forces. He noted that major powers have adopted de-globalization policies, marking a significant shift since the post-Cold War era when globalization facilitated the emergence of unified markets.
However, by the 2010s, many governments began reversing course, citing key events such as Brexit and the U.S.-China trade war under the Trump administration as pivotal moments that underscored a broader trend of retreating from international cooperation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Professor Yan Xuetong’s insights underscore the evolving landscape of global politics and the pivotal role middle powers like Kazakhstan can play in promoting regional stability and cooperation. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by nationalism and counter-globalization, a reevaluation of leadership values and national interests becomes imperative for effective policymaking.
