PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE THEORY OF “THREE HARMONIES” IN THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL VIEWS OF CHINA AND THE USSR

Abstract

Researched that, the concept of the “three harmonies” — the foreign policy advocated by the Soviet government during Nikita Khrushchev’s tenure — aimed to redefine not only the USSR’s foreign policy but also the trajectory of global socialism. This policy emphasized peaceful coexistence, competition, and transition, forming the basis of détente between the East and West. Essentially, it sought peaceful coexistence with Western countries to avoid war while striving to surpass the United States through peaceful competition. However, the concept faced criticism and did not garner unanimous approval. The concept of peaceful coexistence was particularly groundbreaking, as it acknowledged the existence of different social systems and sought to find common ground despite ideological differences. By promoting peaceful competition, the Soviet Union aimed to demonstrate the superiority of socialism through economic, technological, and cultural achievements, rather than through military means. However, the theory of the “three harmonies” faced challenges and criticisms both domestically and internationally. Within the Soviet Union, hardliners criticized Khrushchev’s perceived concessions to the West and feared that peaceful coexistence would undermine the revolutionary zeal of the socialist cause. Internationally, foreign powers, like China, which has historically developed its own current idea of peaceful coexistence, viewed the concept with skepticism, interpreting it as a tactic to divide and weaken the unity of the capitalist bloc.