International Studies in China: Origins and Development

Abstract

This article represents a first attempt to give an overview of the origins and development of international studies in China. The studies of international relations (IR) were introduced to China about a hundred years ago. At present, four tertiary institutions-Beijing University, Fudan University, Renmin University, and the Institute of International Relations-have international politics departments. The power approach is the dominant school of thought, and the bulk of research on international studies has been carried out by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and its regional affiliates. Since the adoption of the open-door policy in 1978, international studies have become relatively more pluralistic, but remain highly politicized, with the Communist Party exerting strong influence to ensure conformity to the Marxist line of thinking.