Professor Liu Debin, Doctor of Law (Political Science), dual professor in history and international relations, PhD supervisor, is the founding dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, Jilin University. He is also the director of Institute of International Studies of Jilin University, vice president of China National Association for International Studies (CNAIS), vice president of China National Association for Modern and Contemporary History Studies, panel judge of the National Social Science Fund of China, editorial board member of Historiography Quarterly and Journal of International Security Studies, etc.
In 1977, Prof. Liu Debin was admitted to Jilin University, and took the Bachelor, Master and Doctor Degree here. After finishing his master study in 1985, he severed as a faculty member in Jilin University. During his stay, he had served successively as the Head of the History Department, Director of the Department of Global Engagement, Assistant President of Jilin University and the Dean of School of International and Public Affairs. Professor Liu Debin was the visiting fellow of Cambridge University during 1992-1993, and from 1997 to1998, he visited the University of Virginia as a Fulbrighter.
The main research areas of Prof. Liu Debin include international history, English School theories, international relations in northeast Asia, soft power theories, and public diplomacy. He has been the author, editor-in-chief, and chief translator of more than 10 monographs, and has published many articles on the journals and periodicals such as People’s Daily (Theory Column), World History, Historiography Quarterly, Collected Papers of History Studies, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, the Journal of International Studies, Foreign Affairs Review, Social Science Front, Xinhua Digest, and Third World Quarterly, etc.
Over the years, Prof, Liu Debin has been devoting to study the evolution of the international systems and the transformation of international relations in the history. He constructed a unique interpretation of international history based on the evolution of international system, and put forward the claim of “public diplomacy era” based on historical changes of international relations in the globalization and informatization era. In addition, he has been promoting the dialogue between History and International Relations, and pointed out that History and International Relations have in fact interchanged profoundly. He also put forward the historical typology study of modern states, the necessity and possibility of IR study to follow a “historical path”, the mutual transformation between “us” and “the rest” based on the experience of non-western countries, and the “community steering” in the innovation of IR theories. These views have aroused great response of both history and IR scholars.
Research and Working Experience
1977, admitted into Jilin University.
1985, received Master Degree and started teaching career in Jilin University.
1990, promotion to Associate Professorship.
1996, promoted to Professorship.
1991-1992, studied in the University of Warwick as a master student in International Relations.
1992-1993, visiting fellow of Cambridge University.
1994 - 2001, Head of the History Department of Jilin University.
1997-1998, visited the University of Virginia as a Fulbrighter.
2001-2004, Deputy Dean of the College of Humanities of Jilin University.
2004-2014, Director of the Office of Global Engagement, Jilin University.
2014-2017, Assistant President of Jilin University.
2012-2018, Dean of School of International and Public Affairs.
Research Projects
1. Chief scholar of Central Marxism Theory Research and Construction Project textbook Contemporary International Politics
2. Chief scholar of Ministry of Education Marxism Theory Research and Construction Project textbook International History.
3. Director of major countries’ soft power construction and public diplomacy project
Articles and Papers
“The Historical Transition and the Strategic Opportunities in the Centennial Great Changes”, World History, 2020, No. 06;
“Type of State and International Leadership”, Fudan International Studies Review, 2020, No.02;
“The International Relations Studies in History”, Journal of Sichuan University (Philosophy and Social Science Edition), 2020, No. 05, reprinted on China University Academic Abstracts, 2020, No.06, Chinese Social Science Digest, 2021, No. 02, Xinhua Digest, 2021, No.03;
“Barry Buzan as a Historian”, Journal of International Relations, 2020, No. 04
“The ‘Historical Path’ of International Relations Studies: Conceptions and System - The Historical Overlapping and Conceptual Reshaping of Contemporary International Relations”, Collected Papers of History Studies, 2020, No.04;
“To Repeat or to Transcend? Past Experiences and Lessons of Pandemic Management in World History”, The Journal of International Studies, 2020, No. 03
“Public Diplomacy Era Creates Conditions for Cooperation and Mutual Benefits”, People’s Daily (Theory Column), May, 2016;
“The Construction of the International Order: History, Present and Future”, Foreign Affairs Review, Dec. 2015;
“Engaging with Globalization: Chinese perspectives”, Third World Quarterly, 2015, No.11.
“A Universal View of History: Wandering Between Idealism and Reality”, Collected Papers of History Studies, Sep. 2015;
“Public Diplomacy Era”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, May 2015;
“The Historical Changes and Reality Orientation of the World Order”, Social Science Weekly, Dec 17th 2014；
“Aggregation and Fission: Historical Evolution of the Contemporary World”, Collected Papers of History Studies, 2012, No.05；
“The Typology of States: An Idea to Extend the International Security Studies”, the Journal of International Studies, 2012, No.01；
“The Interaction between Civilizations”, Historiography Quarterly, 2011, No.02；
“Hegemony and Empire: Two Different Logic and Forms of Organization”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2011, No. 02；
“The Academic Value and Practical Significance of Northeast Asia History Studies”, Collected Papers of History Studies, 2010, No.06；
“Different Interpretations of the Contemporary World”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2010, No.03；
“The Expansion of International History Studies Since the Reform and Opening Up”, Collected Papers of History Studies, 2008, No.05；
“A Brand-New Start After 30 Years of Reform and Opening Up”, Historiography Quarterly, 2008, No.02;
“Barry Buzan and the English School”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2007, No.02;
“The Dilemma and Opportunities of ‘A Universal View of History’”, Historiography Quarterly, 2005, No.01;
“Origin and Development of the ‘Soft Power’ Theory”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2004, No. 04;
“A Vision of World History and the Reconstruction of International Relations Studies: A Challenge from Barry Buzan”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2003, No. 04;
“The Assumption and Judgement of ‘Post - Cold War Era’”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2002, No.04;
“Soft Power: Challenge and Inspiration of US Hegemony”, Jilin University Journal Social Science Edition, 2001, No. 03;
“The Characteristics and the Essence of Sino-US Relation”, Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology Social Science Edition, 2000, No. 04;
“The Turn of the Century: A Lesson of the History”, Changbai Journal, 2000, No.01;
“Hard to Bid Farewell: Several Problems Left for 21st Century from the Last”, Collected Papers of History Studies, 1999, No.04;
“Reflection on Sino-US relation”, Leading Journal of Ideological & Theoretical Education, 1999, No. 09;
“History Studies: Between the Agelong History and the Vivid Reality”, Social Science Front, 1996, No.05;
“On the ‘End’ of History”, Collected Papers of History Studies, Collected Papers of History Studies, 1996, No. 02;
“The Evolution of Modernization and the Transformation of International Relations: A Historical Observation”, Changbai Journal, 1996, No. 02;
Monographs
Globalization: the Key Concepts, Peking University Press, 2014. (Chief Translator)
Interpreting China Series, World Affairs Press, 2013. (Editor-in-Chief)
English School Theories and International History, Peking University Press, 2011. (Editor-in-Chief)
The BRICs, Changchun Press, 2011. (Editor-in-Chief)
The American People: Creating a Nation and a Society, Peking University Press, 2008. (Chief Translator)
Northeast Asia History, Jilin People’s Press, 2006. (Editor-in-Chief)
International Systems in World History: Remaking the Study of International Relations, Higher Education Press, 2004 (First Edition); World Affairs Press, 2015 (Second Edition). (Chief Translator)
Contemporary International Relations, Jilin University Press, 2003. (Editor-in-Chief)
International History，Higher Education Press, 2003. (Editor-in-Chief)
The Life of Margaret Thatcher，Heilongjiang People’ s Press, 1995
American World Strategy, Heilongjiang People’s Press, 1989
Academic Exchanges
[1] Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Russian Federation.
During Sep 27th -28th 2017, at the invitation of the President of Russian Historical Association, and Dean of MGIMO, Prof. Liu Debin attended the international symposium in Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Russian October Revolution, and gave a speech on the “Similarity and Difference of Revolutions in China and Russia”;
[2] Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea.
During Aug 21st -22nd 2017, Prof. Liu Debin was invited to the international symposium in memory of 25th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic relationship with the theme of “China-ROK Relation: History, Present and Future”, and addressed a speech on “Deepening the Expansion of Public Diplomacy, Let the China-ROK relations grow more mature”;
[3] United States.
At the invitation of Academic Exchange of US, Prof. Liu Debin attended the “Israel and Middle East Situation” symposium during Jun 5 -7, 2017;
[4] Republic of Korea.
On Apr 18, 2017, at the invitation of the secretary-general of Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, Prof. Liu Debin attended the 2017 Forum for Trilateral Cooperation, and delievered a speech on “China, Japan and ROK: constructing a community with a Shared Future Facing the Challenge of Uncertainty.” He also visited Korea National Diplomatic Academy in this trip, and discussed China-ROK relations with the experts of the Academy;
[5] Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Russian Federation.
On May 27, 2016, Prof. Liu Debin attended a meeting on joint education of the postgraduates in international relations between MGIMO and Jilin University, and signed an agreement with vice-rector Andrey Baykov.;
[6] Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Federation.
During May 24 – 26, 2016, Prof. Liu Debin was invited to attend BRICS symposium on “The Urgent Problems in Global Studies”, and addressed a speech on “China’s View of World Order and the BRICS Strategies”;
[7] National Chengchi University, Taiwan, China.
During May 6-7, 2016, Prof. Liu Debin attended Cross-Strait International Relations Dean Meeting “A Dialogue Between China and the World”, and gave a speech on “China’s Development and the Transformation of International Regime”;
[8] Rutgers University, United States.
During Jan 25 -26, 2016, Prof. Liu Debin visited and researched on the Confucius Institute and China Studies Centre co-established by Jilin University and Rutgers University;
[9] Okayama University, Japan.
During Jan 21 – 23, 2016, Prof. Liu Debin attend the International Symposium on the Review of “Campus Asia” Program;
[10] Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea.
On May 8, 2015, Prof. Liu Debin attended the Third China-ROK Public Diplomacy Studies Forum, and gave a speech on “The Construction of China’s Thinktanks and the Thinktank Cooperation between ROK and China”;
[11] United States.
During Apr 6-10, 2015, Prof. Liu Debin was invited to attend the opening ceremony and the opening board meeting of Kansas State University -Jilin University Confucius Institute. He was also invited to Rutgers University to attend a symposium on China, and visited Rutgers University Confucius Institute;
[12] Seoul National University, Republic of Korea.
During Oct 24, 2014, at the invitation of the Korean Social Science Research Council， Prof. Liu Debin attended the international symposium on “East Asia and Future Korea in the Gabo Year: 1894 and 2014”, and gave a speech on “The Collapse of East Asian Order and the Possibilities of Rebuilding in the 21th Century”;
[13] Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea.
On Sep 3, 2014, Prof. Liu Debin was invited to attend the First China-ROK Public Diplomacy Studies Forum, and gave a speech on “China’s Public Diplomacy and the Future of China-ROK Public Diplomacy”;
[14] Israel.
During Jul 7 -15 2013, at the invitation of Yitzhak Rabin Center, Prof. Liu Debin visited Israel and Palestine, and attended a series of meetings with Israel officers and scholars, and held talks with Palestine officers in Ramallah;
[15] Vietnam.
During Jun 30, 2013, Prof. Liu Debin was invited by Vietnam National University to attend the academic conference on “Confucianism in a Cross-cultural View”.
Copyright: School of public diplomacy, Jilin University, 2020
