Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.5, 2018

 

A Community of Shared Future for Mankind: The Contemporary Development of the Social Foundations Theory of International Law

(Abstract)

 

Zhang Hui

 

Traditionally, the social foundation of the emergence and existence of international law was summed up as the international community. This exhibits the coexistence of collision and cooperation and of common and conflicting interests in the relations among nations. Recently, the term “international community” has been widely used in national practice and academic discourse, and many scholars believe that the development of inter-state relations shows a shift on the part of the international community toward a global international community. The concept of a community of shared future for mankind reflects China’s renewed understanding of the social foundation of international law; introduces fine traditional Chinese culture into global governance; develops Marxist doctrines concerning the community; focuses on humans as a whole and as individuals; emphasizes the unity of differences and interdependence in the international community; and highlights its ultimate problems. The concept of the community of shared future for mankind has important significance for the theory and practice of international law; it reflects the emergence of a holistic methodology, the response of international law to the questioning of its legitimacy, and the international law trends of hierarchization and systematization. The concept of a community of shared future for mankind has important value for China’s participation in the reform of the global governance system and helps deepen understanding of the relationship between China and the world, enhancing China’s international discourse power and capability and promoting the international relations rule of law China has proposed.