Guanxism and global politics: a rising paradigm in international relations theory

Abstract This paper identifies guanxism as a distinctive and generative paradigm for international relations theory. Grounded in Confucian ethics and Chinese social thought, guanxi refers to a relational system based on moral obligation, trust, and role-based reciprocity. It has evolved from a domestic social norm into a diplomatic repertoire and theoretical lens. Drawing on key Chinese IR scholars including Qin Yaqing, Chih-yu Shih, and the Shanghai School, the paper shows how guanxi aligns with the relational turn in global IR while challenging core assumptions of mainstream theories such as individualism and legalism. A bibliometric analysis demonstrates the growing presence of guanxi in Anglophone political science and IR scholarship. The paper concludes by outlining the conceptual foundations of a guanxi -informed approach and calls for greater theoretical pluralism that engages non-Western traditions as sources of insight, not just illustration.