The Dilemmas of Universal Value and the Possible Solutions

School of International Relations, Beijing International Studies University, Nanli Community, Dingfu Town, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC

^* Corresponding author: jiayiwan0206@163.com

Abstract

The concept “universal value”, as one of the most fundamental concepts in Western political discourses, occupies an important place in present international politics. These concepts originated from specific historical contexts and can only be applied to these specific historical contexts. These concepts also play a role in the formation of the modern nation state. However, it should be noted that the origins of these concepts are one-sided and derived from some territorial religious thoughts or the cultural movements of certain regions. With the evolution of the international situation, the core concepts are distorted and fixed, carrying intense political purposes. The transformation of ethnic spirits, the increasingly intense international relationships, and the exchanges of world cultures, all of these factors get in the way of the development of these concepts. Present universal values can not satisfy the needs of international society and even bring conflicts and wars to international society in some extreme cases. All of these phenomena raise considerable concerns about the degree of stability in the international relationship structure and the benign development of globalization. Developing universal values is a challenging task, but it is also likely to be the key to unlocking a whole new international situation.

This article will begin with the analysis of the origin of universal value, its development process, and its practical application, following with further research on the actual cases to investigate which dilemma the universal values are stuck in and the concrete reasons behind it. From there it is expected to find the solutions or paths to these problems. The definition of universal value needs to be further clarified, and the content of universal value needs to be carefully considered and set. It is also important to apply all of these discussions to political governance properly. At the same time, it should be mentioned that exploring the concept of universal value should not only pay attention to its own values, but also to the way it is manifested in global orders. Only in this way can the stability of the international relationships be strengthened through the “universal value”, which will eventually create good conditions for the realization of the overall development of humankind.