An Exploitable Theory: Thucydides' Trap Model Perceived by the Chinese Government

Abstract

This thesis examines the model of Thucydides' Trap and its effect on current international relations. Answering the question that why China and the United States, two supposed parties in Thucydides' Trap model, react differently to this model, this thesis argues that China is more vocal on their recognition of this theory not because they are more concerned about potential conflict, but because of two alternative reasons: Thucydides' Trap model is fundamentally biased against the rising power due to issues related to the source materials, and that China’s political system requires its leaders to organize their own political philosophy. It is noticeable that how China’s academic community assists the process of integrating Thucydides’ Trap into the official narratives of Xi.