A Study On The Identity Of Responsible Powers In China From The Perspective Of Constructivism

Constructivism Identity Theory breaks the assumption proposed by rationalism that national interests decide states’behavior, and reveals that national identity is the deep factor which influences national behavior. It gives a more reasonable explanation to the relationship among national identity, national interests and national behavior. With the great progress of strength and international influence, the current relationship between China and the international community is undergoing a profound adjustment. To establish a national identity which accords with self-strength conforms to the historical trend and the future developing direction of the international order becomes an important task of China diplomacy. Based on this consideration, the Chinese government gave a formal announcement of "acting as a responsible great power in international community" and started to build this new national identity at theoretic and practical level in the middle 1990s. China’s initiative to act as a responsible great power is not only necessary for it to better integrate into the international community, set up a good image and safeguard its national interest, but also to respond to western countries’ calling for "China’s Responsibility" and clear away the international society’s worries over China’s Rise. This thesis tries to have an analysis of "China’s identity as a responsible power" on the basement of Constructivism Identity Theory. The main content can be divided into five parts:The first part:introduction, it mainly discusses the reasons and significance of this topic; the research status at home and abroad, the main content, the methods and the innovation and deficiency of this thesis.The second part:a summary of constructivism identity theory. This part is the theoretical basis of the essay, including the type, definition, formation mechanism of national identity and the relationship among national identity, national interests and national behavior. It has been clear that national identity is full of diversity, the formation of national identity is a practical process and national identity decides the national interests and national behavior.The third part:the background and connotation of China’s identity as a responsible power. Since the founding of new China, national identity has experienced an evolutionary process. The idea of "responsible power" reflects the change of relations between China and the international community. This part mainly discusses the reason and connotation of China’s identity as a responsible power.The fourth part:the construction of China’s identity as a responsible power and international responsibility. The construction of China’s identity as a responsible power is accomplished in the practice of undertaking international responsibility. China needs to make it clear that the stage of development and responsibility positioning. This part mainly discusses the main focus and way of undertaking responsibility.The fifth part:the challenge and prospect of China’s identity construction. This part mainly discusses the existing problems that China has to confront with, including identity conflicts, lack of soft power and rational power mentality and the balance of multiple relations. It demonstrates that China has a long way to go to establish the new identity, and China should go to future with full faith.Finally, the thesis in the conclusion part summarizes that China’s identity as a responsible power is suitable for the current development of China. It is the only way for china to be a great power in the world. It is the requirement of getting the recognition of international community. And also it is an important condition of China’s peaceful development.