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International Politics of Three Kingdoms China, and Its' Impact on Modern Foreign Policy

"Here begins our tale. The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been."

Division: The splitting of a country into factions and separate states due to difference of opinion, feelings of discord, disagreement, and dissension.

Unity: The combining of separate states and factions into a single whole, assembling all parts into an unbroken completeness or totality.

The cycle of division and unity is a key aspect of the dynastic cycle in Chinese history. The dynastic cycle is the basic wheel through which Chinese government turns. At the beginning, a new ruler unites china and founds a new dynasty under the Mandate of Heaven. Under the new dynasty, China prospers and achieves a "Golden Age". The imperial family and the government eventually begin to become corrupt, and the empire becomes unstable. The dynasty loses the Mandate, and a rebellion rises to overthrow it. The Mandate of Heaven is passed to a new dynasty, and the process starts over. The cycle of division and unity is a part of this cycle; when the empire becomes unstable, factions break off and fight each other, dividing up the nation. When a new dynasty emerges, their reunification of the country is proof of their possession of the Mandate. This article analyzes the cycle of division and unity in China; in particular, during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history (184-280 CE). It analyzes the interrelationships of these three countries, as well as the effects their situation has on their relations with foreign nations. It then shows how this historical narrative sheds light on China's current international politics.

The mandate of heaven is the divine right to rule which heaven places upon the Emperor. However, this right is a duty, and when the government becomes corrupt and the Emperor becomes weak the mandate is lost, and placed upon someone heaven finds worthy. It then becomes that persons' duty to overthrow the current government, starting a fresh dynasty and ruling correctly. The only proof required that he has the mandate is the fact that heaven shows its favor upon him, and he is able to overthrow the previous Emperor and reunite the country under one rule. Thus, it is a self-fulfilling philosophy; the proof that you have the right to rule is the fact that you can rule. Using the main source of Guanzhong Luo's grand historical novel Three Kingdoms, we will analyze the cycle

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