Everything under the heavens

In his profound work "Everything Under the Heavens," the Chinese philosopher ZHAO Tingyang presents a fascinating perspective on international relations and world order through the lens of the ancient Chinese concept "Tianxia" (天下), which literally means "everything under the heavens."

If not now, when? After the unsettling remarks by the US Vice President at the Munich Security Conference, I picked up the book again and included it in this directory. We will discuss important passages on this page in the future.

Central Theses

ZHAO develops an alternative vision of global order based on the classical Chinese worldview. In contrast to the Western system of sovereign nation-states, which is oriented towards competition and power politics, he presents an inclusive model based on harmony and shared interests.

The author argues that the Tianxia system represents a universal institution aimed at viewing the world as a whole rather than as a mere collection of individual states. This approach seeks to solve the »world problem« by creating a common world identity that transcends national identities.

The Western-influenced contraintuitive concept is precisely interesting for this reason. Without, of course, running the risk of arguing cultural relativism, the great power China may be understood a little better after reading.

Philosophical Foundations

ZHAO anchors his argumentation in Confucian and Daoist traditions, emphasizing harmony, coexistence, and mutual dependence. He contrasts this view with the Western tradition shaped by Thomas Hobbes, which considers international relations as a state of permanent competition and potential conflict.

Particularly interesting is ZHAO's analysis of different political ontologies: While Western theories often assume autonomous individuals or states, the Tianxia concept emphasizes relationships as the fundamental reality. Thus, politics is understood not as the management of power but as the management of relationships.

Critical Appreciation

The book offers a valuable perspective at a time of increasing global challenges that transcend national borders. ZHAO's vision of a harmonious world system could provide important impetus for dealing with climate change, pandemics, and other transnational problems.

Critics may argue that ZHAO's portrayal of the Tianxia system underestimates the historical power dynamics and hierarchical structures of the Chinese tribute system. Moreover, the question remains open as to how cultural and religious plurality could unfold in such a system.

Worth Reading

"Everything Under the Heavens" is a significant contribution to the discussion of alternative world order models. In an era when the existing international order is increasingly under pressure, ZHAO Tingyang invites us to rethink fundamental assumptions and explore new paths of global cooperation.

The book is particularly recommended for readers interested in international relations, political philosophy, and the dialogue between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions.