International Cooperation Theory: Critique and Construction

Author: Song Xiujue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Throughout human history, resisting natural and man-made disasters through unity and cooperation, and pursuing shared interests that can be jointly enjoyed, have always been the subjective aspirations and practical efforts of individuals, tribes, nations, or states. One of the important functions of political society is to address conflicts and contradictions between individuals and groups, so that the strength formed through cooperation can tackle various common challenges faced and strive to achieve better ideals. This book discusses international cooperation, where the subject of cooperation is not individuals, classes, social groups, or sub-state or supranational actors, but rather states as the highest political communities. Cooperation between independent political communities has a long history, and ancient historical documents from both the East and the West provide detailed records of it. In a world of economic globalization and interdependence, international cooperation is both a common international phenomenon and one of the goals that the international community tirelessly pursues and maintains. The author, Dr. Song Xiujue, critiques Western theories of international cooperation, analyzing their shortcomings in ontology and methodology. She argues that constrained by political positions and value systems, these theories primarily reflect the interests of major powers and are not universal.