Conclusion

Abstract This chapter concludes this book by comparing American exceptionalism and Chinese exceptionalism in the context of the rise and fall of great powers. It agrees that all great powers, compared with other countries, are capable of advocating international law that advances their values and interests; in this sense, there is Chinese exceptionalism. More importantly, it suggests that different great powers have different exceptionalism, thereby bring about different implications on international legal order. This chapter does not purport to argue that people should have a rosy expectation for Chinese exceptionalism. In light of international context and China’s own particularities, however, it is more likely that Chinese exceptionalism can bring about new promise for international legal order, thereby balancing American exceptionalism. Therefore, Chinese exceptionalism merits serious consideration with sympathy.