China: Tradition, Nationalism and Just War

Abstract

This paper examines Chinese culture and traditions to determine if there are concepts within the tradition corresponding to ideas of restraint as expounded in Western just war theories. In regards to jus ad bellum, Western ideas of sovereignty among equal states form a legalistic paradigm that was apparent only in China's formative period. As a result, the tradition after imperial unification in 221 BC sharply contrasts with the Western legalistic ideas. However, the Chinese traditions of tributary relationships between states and of civilian domination over military (wen over wu) restrain authorities from resorting to war. Moreover, the tradition continues to influence modern China.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 17, 1999
Accession Number
ADA363908

Entities

People

  • Ted E. Gong

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundaries
  • California
  • Foreign Relations
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Political Systems
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.