International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.1, 2023

The games between powers and small nations’ actions before and after Dumbarton Oaks Conference

(Abstract)

Shao Wenshi

As an important meeting in the process of the preparations for and construction of the United Nations, Dumbarton Oaks Conference was of great significance to the postwar world. It made decision on the official name of UN, and provided a meaningful blueprint for a new form of international organization after the League of Nations, and was the key node to link the pre-war, wartime and post-war eras. It is precisely for this reason, before and after the conference, US, UK, Soviet Union and China all played a game for their own interests on the premise of seeking world peace and security after the war. United States strived for world hegemony, UK wanted to keep its leading position in Europe, Soviet Union tried to win in competition with the western world, while China wanted to establish its own position as a power. At the same time, the regional alliance such as the League of Arabic States was a way for small countries to unite to safeguard their rights and interests in an international organization under the control of the powers.