Mao Zedong’s “Three Worlds” Theory: Political Considerations and Value for the Times

Abstract

毛泽东“三个世界划分”理论萌芽于20世纪40、50年代“一个中间地带”思想, 雏形于60年代的“两个中间地带”思想,正式形成于70年代初期。毛泽东以国家利 益与主权诉求为逻辑原点,以矛盾对立统一论为哲学基石,以冷战时代背景为历史平 台,以反对霸权主义为主要外交方略,形成了著名的“三个世界划分”理论。作为中 国外交战略和国际关系理论的标志性成果,毛泽东的“三个世界划分”理论具有十分 特殊的时代价值,特别是在国际伦理与正义原则、话语权与国家形象、安全机制与战 略伙伴关系、相互依存与文化超越等领域形成的理念和原则,是值得我们倍加珍视的 宝贵的思想资源。 关键词:毛泽东 “三个世界划分”理论 国家利益 冷战格局 国际战略 Mao Zedong’s theory of “the differentiation of three worlds” originated in his idea of “one intermediate zone” in the 1940s and 1950s, took initial shape with the idea of “two intermediate zones” in the 1960s and was officially formulated in the early 1970s. Taking national interests and the pursuit of sovereignty as its logical starting point, the law of the unity of opposites as its philosophical basis, the background of the Cold War as its historical platform, and opposition to hegemony as its diplomatic strategy, Mao Zedong advanced the well-known “three worlds” theory. As a hallmark achievement of China’s diplomatic strategy and international relations theory, Mao’s “three worlds” theory has a very special value for the times, especially with regard to its philosophy and principles in areas such as the principles of international ethics and justice, discourse power and national image, security mechanisms and strategic partnerships, and interdependence and cultural transcendence, all of which are precious ideological resources that we should cherish.