Chinese International Relations (IR) Scholars’ Publishing Practices and Language: The ‘Peaceful Rise’—Debate

Abstract

In this chapter, I problematize publishing in different languages as a social knowledge practice that contributes to divides and diversity within IR. I ask how journal articles on China’s Peaceful Rise, written by Chinese scholars working in the People’s Republic of China differ based on whether they are published in English or Chinese. The chapter contributes to investigations of the IR discipline in China with an in-depth, systematic examination of a particular debate and conceptualizes the role of language, drawing on research on language choice, translation theory and IR scholars’ considerations. The comparative qualitative content analyses revealed substantial divisions between an internal Chinese- and an external, English-speaking audience: Chinese articles focused on domestic issues, extensively discussed the use of military force and contained a ‘concern for China’, exemplified by discussion on how to protect its territorial sovereignty, whereas English articles examined the international context identifying neighbors’ attitudes as key obstacles. Articles in both languages tended to make ‘the others” perspective accessible, with English articles framing China’s intentions with common IR concepts and Chinese articles providing simplified views of other countries’ perceptions.