Research Article

The Power Balance Factor and the Relative Stability of Northeast Asia in the 1920s

Liangxuan RenSichuan University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

As an important geographical unit, Northeast Asia has long been plagued by frequent hot spots. In modern times, the overall situation in Northeast Asia has been turbulent, with frequent wars and unrest. However, in the 1920s, there was a period of relative stability in Northeast Asia. This study reviews the academic context and research gaps, introduces the theory of power balance, explains the formation of the Vienna system and the principle of power balance, and introduces the power balance diplomatic practices of countries such as Britain, France, and Russia. After reviewing the situation in China in the early 20th century, the study introduces the factor of power balance into the analysis of the Northeast Asian landscape in the 1920s. It examines various areas, including the strength, strategies, and mutual constraints of major regional powers such as Japan and Russia; the relative constraints of international treaties and systems; the growth in strength and foreign policies of local powers in Northeast China; and the policies and interventions of Western powers outside the region. Research suggests that a balance of power emerged in Northeast Asia in the 1920s, with relative stability resulting from the combined effects of various traditional and unique power balance factors.

Keywords: Power balance; 1920s; Northeast Asia; regional stability; Washington System
Published: September 16, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.NE26837
Volume: CHR Vol.82
pp. 69-79
Download PDF

References

  1. Yang Guoshun. The Formation and Characteristics of the Westphalian System and the Vienna System: A Discussion on the Modernization of the Concept of European Unity. Journal of Liaoning University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2005(1): 95-99.
  2. Li Shian. Revisiting the Yalta System from the Perspective of the International System. World History, 2007(4): 43-52+160.
  3. Chu Zhaogen. Conceptual Competition and the Transformation of the International System. Journal of Zhejiang University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition), 2018, 48(1): 83-96.
  4. Wang Zijuan. A Comparison of the British Balance of Power Model and the Bismarckian Balance of Power Model. Journal of Lanzhou University (Social Sciences Edition), 2009, 37(S1): 18-20.
  5. Zhao Shufang. Characteristics and Influence of Russian Diplomatic Culture. Northeast Asia Forum, 2004(4): 50-54.
  6. Cheng Lisha, Wang Shijun, Yang Ran. The Evolution of Geopolitical Relations and Regional Effects in Northeast China. Geographical Science, 2019, 39(8): 1284-1292.
  7. Zhang Shengfa. The Struggle for Northeast China Among the Great Powers and the Historical Evolution of Ownership of the China-Eastern Railway. Russian, Central Asian, and Eastern European Studies, 2007, (5): 64-72+96.
  8. Zhang Naihe. Historical Perspective on Northeast Asia. Historical Journal, 2010(6): 27-30.
  9. World Affairs Press (ed.), Collection of International Treaties (1648–1871). Beijing: World Knowledge Press, 1984.
  10. Hardie Bull, translated by Zhang Xiaoming. Anarchist Society: A Study of World Political Order. Beijing: World Knowledge Press, 2003.
  11. Schroeder, Paul. The “balance of power” system in Europe, 1815-1871. Naval War College Review, 1975, 27(5): 18–31.
  12. Winston Churchill, translated by Wu Zeyan. Memoirs of the Second World War. Nanjing: Yilin Press, 2012.
  13. Chen Jingyan. A Study of Sino-Japanese-Russian (Soviet) Relations in the 20th Century. Changchun: Changchun Publishing House, 2011.
  14. World Affairs Press (ed.), International Treaties (1924–1933). Beijing: World Knowledge Press, 1961.
  15. World Affairs Press (ed.), International Treaties (1917-1923). Beijing: World Knowledge Press, 1961: 765-769.
  16. Zhang Xianwen. History of the Republic of China. Nanjing: Nanjing University Press, 2005.
  17. Giovanni Arrighi, Beverly J. Silver, et al., translated by Wang Yujie. Chaos and Governance in the Modern World System. Beijing: Sanlian Books, 2003.
  18. Liu Debin. History of Northeast Asia. Changchun: Jilin People's Publishing House, 2006.