Ever wondered how ancient philosophy shapes today’s global politics? 🤔 In a revealing interview, diplomat Ragnar Baldursson breaks down the Confucian principle of "junzi he er bu tong"—"the gentleman aims at harmony, not uniformity"—and its surprising role in modern diplomacy.
Baldursson highlights how this 2,500-year-old idea is alive in Chinese diplomacy today. 🌍 "It’s about finding shared goals while respecting differences," he explains, comparing it to a global potluck where everyone brings unique dishes but shares the same table. 🍜🥘
From climate talks to trade deals, Chinese negotiators often focus on collaborative frameworks while acknowledging differing interpretations. Baldursson calls this "the art of balancing unity and diversity"—a skill he says could ease tensions in polarized geopolitics.
Could this be the key to smoother international relations? 💡 As Baldursson puts it: "Harmony doesn’t mean singing the same note—it means creating music where every voice matters." 🎶
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'Harmony, not uniformity': A Confucian key to global diplomacy
cgtn.com