JAPANESE CHALLENGE TO THE HEGEMONY OF CHINESE DYNASTIES: A VIEW FROM THE POWER DISCOURSE OF REALISM

Abstract

The article attempts to use Realism's power discourse to explain the cause and success when Japan challenged the hegemony of Chinese dynasties. The results show that from the 2nd century B.C.E. to the end of the 19th century C.E., successive Chinese dynasties were the hegemon in Northeast Asia. However, Chinese dynasties also always faced challenges from other countries in the region. From the 3rd century C.E., Japanese challenge against Chinese dynasties began, from indirectly to directly, and then increased in intensity and variety in form. By the end of the 19th century, Japan had successfully abolished the hegemony of the Chinese dynasty Qing in the region. The reason Japan challenged Chinese dynasties was to seek power to advance the interests of individuals, political groups, and the nation. There were many different factors that helped Japan succeed. The article proposes geographical conditions, science and technology, strategy and tactics, and the decline of Chinese dynasties as four main factors that helped Japan successfully posed its challenge to Chinese dynasties.