Author(s)

Shaoyi Hu

Corresponding Author

Shaoyi Hu

Abstract

This paper uses the method of comparative history to systematically compare the similarities and differences between the ancient Greek city-state system (8th-4th century BC) and the Chinese Spring and Autumn princely system (770-453 BC) in terms of state system and war mode. The study found that there are essential differences between the two systems under the appearance of "small countries": Greek city-states form loose alliances based on the principle of sovereign equality, and the purpose of war is to maintain independent status; The Spring and Autumn princes were based on the patriarchal hierarchical order, maintaining the "world" system through the hegemonic alliance system, and the war gradually evolved from ceremonial conquest to annexation war. Institutional differences profoundly affect the mode of warfare: the Greek citizen phalanx reflects the combination of democratic politics and limited warfare, and the Spring and Autumn aristocratic chariot system reflects the military monopoly of the hierarchical society. Military technological innovations (such as the Greek spear phalanx and the rise of the Spring and Autumn infantry) drove social change, ultimately leading to different historical endings - the external conquest of Macedonia and the internal unification of the Qin and Han dynasties. This study is of great theoretical significance for understanding the diversity of ancient international systems and the interaction mechanism between war and political order, and provides a historical mirror for contemporary international relations research.

Keywords

Ancient Greek City-States; Spring and Autumn Princes; Alliance System; War Mode; Comparative History; History of International Relations