Written Perspectives on the Advancement of Country and Area Studies: A Dialogue Among Leading Scholars (7)

Qian Chengdan Li Xiguang Luo lin Yang Dan

【Abstract】On April 8,2023,the editorial board ofCountryandAreaStudiesconvened a forum on renaming the journal and advancing disciplinary theories in the field. The forum brought together over 40 eminent scholars and experts from over 10 leading institutions,including Peking University,Tsinghua University,Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,and the China Institute of International Studies. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on the theoretical innovation and disciplinary development of country and area studies.Following the forum,the journal invited selected keynote speakers to contribute written perspectives on issues facing the country and area studies discipline,the role of academic journals in promoting disciplinary development,and related topics.The aim is to foster a constructive dialogue on these critical issues among readers and advance the field.

【Key Words】country and area studies,disciplinary development,written perspectives

【Authors】Qian Chengdan,Peking University Boya Chair Professor,founding Director of the PKU Institute of Area Studies; Li Xiguang,Director of the Center for International Communication Studies of Tsinghua University; Luo Lin,Director of the Academy of International and Regional Studies of Beijing Language and Culture University; Yang Dan,Professor and President,Beijing Foreign Studies University.

The US Factor in the EU’s China Policy Adjustment: A Perspective of Great Power Dynamics (18)

He Daru Yu Jingting

【Abstract】Since the release of the “Elements for a new EU strategy on China” in 2016,the European Union’s strategic policy adjustment towards China has continued to evolve.The United States’ stance towards China plays an important role in shaping this policy shift.First,the Trump administration’s framing of US-China relations as strategic competition prompted the EU to develop Indo-Pacific geopolitical thinking and adjust its China strategy accordingly.Second,the Biden administration’s preparation for coordinating a “Strategic Alliance” to manage competition with China has accelerated the pace of the EU’s strategic policy adjustment regarding China. Under US’ influence,the prominence of “Values” and “Regulatory” factors in the EU’s current China policy has grown.Concurrently,economic competition between the EU and China has deepened.In the future,the EU’s China policy shaped by the US factor will likely demonstrate increased strategic competition,while pursuing “de-risking” of economic ties with China.Thus,China faces mounting strategic pressure,as the US and EU cooperate more closely to compete with China.

【Key Words】great power dynamics,European Union,United States,China Policy,strategic coordination

【Authors】He Daru,Lecturer at Tianjin Normal University,whose research focuses on great power relations; Yu Jingting,Corresponding Author,Master Student at Xiamen University,whose research focuses on East Asian political economy and Asia-Pacific Security Cooperation.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework: Background,Objectives and China’s Response (39)

Qin Lin Wang Li

【Abstract】 The containment of China has become a bipartisan consensus in the United States.Building on the Indo-Pacific Strategy,the Biden administration has continued Trump’s competitive stance toward China.Recently,Biden announced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework to complement existing U.S.military and security plans,aiming for more comprehensive competition with China.The Framework seeks to boost US competitiveness and constrain China’s development.However,facing relative hegemonic decline,the US also has incentives to cooperate with China on specific issues to reduce hegemony costs.Due to multiple factors,the Framework’s actual effect may be less than anticipated.Facing continuous US offense,China should recognize the essence of China-US relations and guide them toward benign competition.China should adhere to multilateralism and properly handle ties with neighboring countries.By maintaining strategic resolve and building comprehensive strength,China can respond effectively to the challenges of the Framework.

【Key Words】Indo-Pacific economic framework,Indo-Pacific strategy,China-US competition

【Authors】Qin Lin,Ph.D Student at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs,Shanghai International Studies University,whose research focuses on American diplomacy; Wang Li,Lecturer at the School of International Business Administration,Shanghai International Studies University,whose research focuses on international economic issues.

EU Electricity Price Crisis: Solutions and Prospect (57)

Pan Duo

【Abstract】The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has not only brought geopolitical crisis to Europe,but has also sparked a large-scale gas crisis in EU countries.Under the current EU electricity price mechanism,electricity prices are tied to natural gas prices.As a result,the surging natural gas prices have led to a severe electricity price crisis across the EU,becoming the most serious secondary crisis stemming from the gas shortage. The high electricity prices have adversely impacted consumers and economic recovery in many countries,while also posing challenges to the EU’s climate neutrality and green transition goals. In attempting to solve the electricity price crisis in the shortterm,the European Union has implemented measures including capping gas prices for power generation,expanding gas sources and reserves,and encouraging consumer energy saving to reduce electricity costs.At the same time,the EU has begun discussions regarding structural reforms of the electricity market to ensure long-term energy independence and decarbonization objectives.However,the EU faces certain challenges in both its short and long-term approaches.In the short-term,maintaining stable natural gas prices will be crucial.For long-term reforms,establishing a new electricity market system will not be easy.Carefully balancing renewable energy growth and electricity price stability will be critical.There are also disagreements among EU member states concerning electricity market changes.In the future,the EU will likely opt for cautious,gradual reforms to the electricity market rather than radical overhauls given these challenges.

【Key Words】EU electricity price crisis,EU electricity market,Gas crisis,Russia-Ukraine conflict,European Green Deal

【Author】Pan Duo,Ph.D student of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy,Beijing Foreign Studies University,whose research focuses on European politics and diplomacy.

Progress,Significance and Limitations of GCC Countries’Participation in Global Climate Governance (72)

Mu Chunhuan

【Abstract】With the intensifying global climate crisis and rising importance of climate issues in world politics,Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are enhancing their participation in global climate governance.International pressure,exacerbating regional climate impacts,declining oil revenues,and decarbonization opportunities are driving GCC climate action.Some GCC states have pledged carbon neutrality,while utilizing international mechanisms and climate diplomacy to contribute to global climate governance.GCC engagement advances collective climate efforts and their own interests.However,limitations exist,with energy interests and domestic emissions reduction dilemmas constraining GCC climate action.

【Key Words】GCC,Arab states,climate change,global climate governance

【Author】Mu Chunhuan,Doctor,Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Public Management,Modern Management Research Center of Shanghai,whose research focuses on Middle East studies.

Western China Experts’ Perspectives on Chinese-Style Modernization (92)

Chen Jing Tao Jiyi

【Abstract】Western China experts have conducted extensive objective research on Chinesestyle modernization put forward by the Communist Party of China over the past three years,analyzing its background,content,characteristics,implementation,and significance.They have developed thoughtful academic perspectives,with balanced assessments of the concept.These views reflect some current Western perceptions,despite limitations.Their scholarship is commendable and offers useful insights for China’s continued modernization efforts.Key implications include recognizing modernization differs from Westernization,Chinese modernization can improve building a shared future,and Chinese modernization requires ongoing exploration.Reviewing their research shows favorable conditions for China and the West to jointly forge a shared future. This helps China comprehensively understand Western polities,formulate rational foreign policies,strengthen peaceful development,build socialism with Chinese characteristics,and advance the building of a shared future for humanity with other countries.

【Key Words】the West,Western China experts,Chinese-style modernization,implications

【Authors】Chen Jing,Associated Professor,College of Foreign Languages,Jinan University,whose research focuses on the West civilization; Tao Jiyi,Professor,College of International Relations,College of Marxism,Jinan University,whose research focuses on Chinese diplomacy.

Analysis of Security Implications in Foreign Aid Policymaking: Case Studies of the United States,United Kingdom and Canada (109)

Yang Yao

【Abstract】 Recently,Western foreign aid policies have increasingly emphasized security,raising concerns about negative “security spill-overs”. Security-oriented development policies prioritize donor self-interest,reducing aid effectiveness for recipients.Current debates focus on the emergence and consequences of this “securitization” of foreign aid,with little known about the reasons why countries adopt this approach.This paper analyzes official strategic aid documents from the US,UK and Canada by using securitization theory.It examines whether and how these countries have securitized aid policy,identifying trends.It then analyzes the reasons for this securitization from a securitization theory perspective.The paper argues that perceptions of threats,aid effectiveness,and public pressure have driven the securitization of foreign aid in the US,UK and Canada at different times.

【Key Words】 foreign aid,securitization,the United States,the United Kingdom,Canada

【Author】Yang Yao,Ph.D Candidate of International Relations,China Foreign Affairs University,whose research focuses on international security and development cooperation and so on.

The Flexible Euroscepticism of Italy’s Far-Right: Examining the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) (133)

Wang Hongyi Tan Yuwei

【Abstract】The ascent of Brothers of Italy to power in Italy,a country characterized by a turbulent political landscape,through emphasis on identity issues and populist rhetoric,is a manifestation of the growing influence of far-right movements in Europe during a time of crisis. The nationalism and populism of Italy’s far-right parties may pose a threat to EU solidarity.This article analyzes how the Brothers of Italy has flexibly shifted its Eurosceptic attitudes during its initial,electoral and governing phases,using a “religion-nationality” framework.It examines the particularities of this party within the far-right political spectrum in Europe.Given its position between the established European powers and the newer members,it is difficult for Italy to achieve the Brothers of Italy’s narrative of “being a leader of the EU and the world” without depending on the EU’s support.Consequently,the new governing party is undergoing a gradual shift away from its radical Euroscepticism towards a more pragmatic approach,and is more likely to seek common ground with proponents of European integration.

【Key Words】far-right parties,Euroscepticism,Brothers of Italy

【Authors】Wang Hongyi,Lecturer of the School of European Languages and Cultures,Researcher of the Center for Central and Eastern European Studies,Beijing Foreign Studies University,whose research focuses on the geopolitics of Central and Eastern Europe; Tan Yuwei,MA Student of the School of European Languages and Cultures,Beijing Foreign Studies University,whose research focuses on Italian party politics.