Philosophy, identity, and role theory with “Chinese characteristics”

Abstract

This chapter presents role theory to the case, but also to try to introduce some characteristics into role theory itself. Role theory deals with the construction, recognition, and change of roles, and analyzes individuals/states in their relationships, i.e., in their social context and interactions with others. Role theory rightly points out that counter-roles are significant for constructing roles and linking them to social structures, i.e., institutions as ensembles of and counter-roles. The chapter does not intend to delineate philosophy and role theory from each other, but rather to enrich the latter with the ideas from the former. Using a role theory framework with Chinese characteristics, the following tries to demonstrate that role theory is a promising approach to studying foreign policy and that it can be enriched by thought and practice. China was the center of ancient East Asia, playing the role of a father or king in the hierarchical regional system.