Living or Leaving History: Temporality, Identity and Great Power Aspiration

• In Event: Poster Session: Politics and History & International History and Politics
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: International History and Politics

Abstract

The emergence of rising great powers, particularly China, has heightened global political focus, bringing forth uncertainties and concerns about potential threats to the existing world order. This research aims to address a key gap in the literature by systematically theorizing the emergence, institutionalization, and evolution of great-power aspirations. Introducing the concept of "re-emergence," the study explores the temporal construction of national identity as a driving force behind great-power aspirations. Theoretical advancements center on the notion that re-emergence is intricately tied to how states approach their past, providing a theoretical framework that goes beyond conventional materialist explanations. This perspective sheds light on the complexities of great-power behavior, emphasizing the ideational attributes of rising powers. My empirical investigations draw comparisons between China, the United States, and Japan. Notably, the absence of re-emerging aspiration in the narratives of the US and Japan, unlike China, underscores the diversity of approaches among rising powers. This empirical dimension enriches the theoretical framework with a systematic study of narrative analysis. The study positions its relevance to International Relations and History by connecting temporal identity constructions to the interests of realist scholars and historians. The integration of historical insights into the analysis contributes to a comprehensive understanding of great-power dynamics, offering a holistic perspective that complements materialist arguments. Moreover, the research emphasizes its implications for policy and the future geopolitical order. Understanding how states construct their national narratives is crucial for predicting state behavior and managing global power shifts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The enduring importance of a nation's glorious past emerges as a key factor in shaping great-power aspirations. In sum, this research offers a significant contribution to the discourse on rising great powers, combining theoretical innovation, empirical depth, and practical relevance for policymakers and scholars in the field of international relations. It not only addresses existing gaps in the literature but also lays the groundwork for future inquiries into the ideational attributes of rising powers.

Author

• Anya Liang