中國軟實力的迷思

Abstract

本研究的定位，是對「中國軟實力」這個主題，進行中、英文文獻分析。所獲得的成果，可統整成下面三點： 首先，由於「軟實力」在概念上涵蓋的內容過廣，使其難以稱為是個「好的」社會科學概念。實際上，它還包含了奈伊的強烈個人價值觀，因此使得軟實力理論的規範性意涵遠大於經驗性。換言之，拿它來分析中國，對實際現象的誤解只會大於理解。 其次，「中國軟實力」在中國其實是個政治命題，不是學術命題。「軟實力」在中國，已被高層領導人簡化成一種政治正確的語言。當下所謂的「提升中國軟實力」，本質上是種政治運動。它是由中國領導階層推動的一種政治意識型態，目的最主要是為了維持國內社會的穩定。 第三，不論中文或英文文獻，幾乎無人對「中國軟實力」有一致的見解。表面上，中國軟實力等同於中國的「文化」和「國際影響力」。實際上，你想說中國軟實力是什麼，它就可以是什麼。這點表現在中文文獻中又更明顯。 總之，若要研究中國近年增加的國際影響力、對外行為或戰略變遷、戰術手段等議題，「軟實力」一語的缺陷遠大於貢獻。我們唯有拋棄軟實力，努力發展新概念，才屬正道。

This study is based on analyzing English and Chinese literatures relating to the topic “China’s soft power.” What I found can be illustrated by three main arguments: First,due to its vague connotation of the word--soft power, it is hardly to say that soft power is a good social science concept. Actually, it contains Nye’s strong personal value, which makes the normative meaning of soft power theory is far greater than its empirical part. In other words, using “soft power” as an analytical concept only makes our sense confused. Second,“China’s soft power” is not an academic topic but a political issue. China’s leaders have transformed “soft power” as a language of political correctness. The so called “promoting China’s soft power” is essentially a political movement. It is cultivated by China’s high level officials, and the main purpose of this movement is to keep the whole society in a stable condition. Third, no matter in Chinese or English literatures, there is almost no one has a unanimous understanding on “what is China’s soft power.” In terms of the context of these literatures, China’s soft power can be equate to China’s culture or international influence. In fact, especially in Chinese literatures, “China’s soft power” can be anything. In sum, the contribution of the concept “soft power” is far less than its flaws. If we want to make a study of China’s growing international influences, foreign behaviors, strategic transformation, policy instruments, etc., the best way is to throw soft power away, and develop a new analytical concept.