Montesquieu’s International Political Thought and Insights for the Sino-American Relationship

In the 18th century, Montesquieu, a French political philosopher, laid the groundwork for modern political theory with a nuanced perspective on governance, liberty, and the interplay of nations. While Montesquieu is best known for his advocacy of the separation of powers, his international political thought offers a surprisingly relevant lens through which we can understand the modern Sino-American relationship.

Montesquieu’s Key International Political Concepts

1. Commerce as a Force for Peace

Montesquieu believed that commerce has a civilizing effect on nations. In The Spirit of Laws, he argued that trade fosters mutual dependence, reducing the likelihood of war. “Commerce,” he wrote, “is a cure for the most destructive prejudices.”

• Sino-American Context: The U.S. and China are deeply intertwined economically, with mutual reliance on trade and investment. However, the relationship also demonstrates the limitations of Montesquieu’s optimism: economic interdependence has not prevented geopolitical competition, suggesting that trade alone cannot resolve deeper ideological and strategic conflicts.

2. Diversity in Governance Systems

Montesquieu recognized the importance of tailoring governance to cultural, geographical, and historical circumstances. He warned against imposing one nation’s political model on another, emphasizing…