The examples of Israel and Palestine are often mentioned when discussing the complex relationship between States. Israel, a country that has endured the pain of genocide, is now taking extreme military action against a relatively weak neighbor, Palestine. This kind of behavior seems to be self-contradictory on the surface, but in fact it profoundly reveals the realism in international politics. Interactions between states are often guided not only by moral or historical experience, but more by calculations of national interests and geopolitical tactics. Against this backdrop, Israel's actions, while controversial around the world, also reflect complex national considerations for survival and security.
At the same time, China's criticism of Israel is not just a humanitarian stance, it also reflects the broader geopolitical disputes in the Middle East and their implications for international relations. This tension can also sometimes lead to hostility between some countries, such as the delicate relationship between China and Israel. This interaction shows that relations between countries do not exist in isolation, but rather influence and interact with each other.
If a country's historical identity is based on the experiences of its victims, does that history automatically confer on it the responsibility to adopt higher moral standards in its future actions? This is a question worth pondering, especially in view of the fact that States often act out of self-preservation rather than moral considerations. So, when history has given deep painful memories, can we expect a nation to transform that pain into greater compassion and understanding for other nations?
When discussing the historical and cultural context of international politics, it is impossible not to mention China's attitude towards Israeli policy and the tensions between the two countries that may arise from it. Historically, Israel was a wandering nation until 1948, when it was established as a nation, and this history has given them an extremely sensitive and firm attitude towards national security and national survival. Nowhere is this stance more evident than in their treatment of the Palestinian issue. From the outside, this may seem like a strong reaction to the pain of history, or it may be out of a forward-looking precaution against possible future threats.
Moreover, China has expressed different views on Israel's policies and actions in the international arena, not only because of its humanitarian stance, but also because of its strategic interests in the Middle East and the overall consideration of international politics. This delicate relationship between China and Israel reflects the profound influence of cultural differences and historical contexts on foreign policy. These effects have also been reflected in my conversations with Israeli government officials. I have asked them directly why they think that many countries are opposed to Israel, which they believe is out of envy for Israel's democracy and progressiveness.
This interpretation may reflect to some extent Israel's perception of its national image and international status, as well as how it interprets international relations through a cultural lens. How, then, do we find ways to promote understanding and cooperation in this complex international relationship triggered by historical and cultural differences? Can't we learn from these tensions how to better understand the impact of different cultural and historical backgrounds?
On an individual level, relationships between people sometimes mirror the entanglements of broader society and international relations. The Merchant of Venice is a classic work of Shakespeare, and through its story, we can explore the conflict between individual behavior and collective social values. In the play, the relationship between Sherlock and Antonio highlights the opposition between individual greed and social morality. Shylock's actions as a Jewish money lender were not only personal choices, but also reflected the social prejudice against Jews and the early forms of capitalism.
Shylock's usury trap and revenge mentality against Antonio reflect how individuals can form extreme worldviews and patterns of behavior due to their social environment and personal history. Similarly, in international relations, interactions between countries are often driven by historical scars, cultural differences, and economic interests. For example, the conflict between Israel and Palestine stems in part from historical grievances and the complex entanglement of regional religions, which echoes the contradictions between the individual and the collective, history and reality in part with the stories of Shylock and Antonio.
By understanding the motivations and actions of the characters in The Merchant of Venice, we can think more deeply about international relations in the real world. In this relationship, the balance of ethics and interests becomes an ongoing challenge. Just as Shylock's actions provoke the audience to think about justice and revenge, the actions between nations often prompt us to reflect on what constitutes international justice and morality. Isn't finding the right balance between safeguarding national interests and abiding by ethical standards a goal that we are constantly pursuing in the international community?