맹자(孟子)의 외교적 관점에 대한 일고-이토 진사이의 『맹자』 해석을 참고하여 = A Study of Mencius’ Perspective on Diplomacy-With Reference to Ito Jinsai’s Interpretation of the Mencius

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The purpose of this study is to examine the diplomatic perspectives of Mencius, who lived during the turbulent Warring States period. To achieve this, the study first explores Mencius’ views on unification and war. Mencius believed that unification was essential to rescue the people from extreme suffering. Consequently, his affirmation of the necessity of unification led to a limited justification of war, most notably in the form of ‘righteous war’(義戰).
Furthermore, this research analyzes the principles of diplomacy in two contexts: between states of similar power and between states of disparate power. In the former case, two main principles emerge: first, that international relations(交隣) must be centered on ‘benevolence and righteousness’(仁義) rather than mere self-interest; and second, that states should engage in ‘good-faith competition’ to win the voluntary support of the people through ‘benevolent governance’(仁政). In the latter case involving unequal national power, three principles are identified: first, the smaller state should ‘serve the great’(事大); second, the larger state should ‘serve the small’(事小); and third, even amidst power imbalances, leaders must prioritize ‘benevolent governance’ as the core of their diplomatic conduct. This commitment to benevolence serves as the unifying thread connecting the concepts of serving the great and cherishing the small.
By examining these elements, this study elucidated how Mencius’ emphasis on benevolent governance was manifested not only in domestic politics but also in foreign affairs and diplomatic strategy.