Charting the Structures of International Relations — Essay about the Semiology of International Relations
Author: Hsiao-Ping Yen
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
Supposing that all theories of international relations are only different parts inthe process of「structuralisation」on international relations, we will use semiology totry to construct, step by step, a structural chart of international relations: By firstlyrecognizing the「interfrontierality」as a specific code of international relations, wewill then construct an axis between the two binary groups in the domain of ethicsand values. With help in specific codes and non-specific code we can distinguishfive steps: the cultural core, the elements of power, politics of domestic affairs,boundary elements, and Tianxia. Each lever consists of four sub-binaries.Finally, we will determine within the structural chart the exact form, position andmeaning of each different theory during the process of construction, structure anddeconstruction.