近年來國際關係理論面臨可能終結的危機，國際關係理論的三大典範：現實主義、自由主義與建構主義的發展呈現停滯的狀態，理論與政策應用之間的鴻溝也逐漸加深，以中程理論為導向的經驗研究逐漸取代了傳統國際關係理論強調通則化與系統性的分析架構。儘管國際關係理論仍有其重要性，但不論現實主義、自由主義與建構主義皆沒有預測到中國的崛起對國際政治所造成的變化，美國學界也開始反思過去對華交往政策的國際關係理論基礎。就臺灣的研究者而言，隨著從事中國大陸研究的限制增加，研究中國外交是否還能像過去那樣地依賴國際關係理論？本文提出四種研究途徑作為中國外交研究者除了傳統國際關係理論以外的選擇，分別是歷史研究途徑、跨國比較途徑、經驗研究以及中程理論。

In recent years, international relations theory has faced a potential crisis of obsolescence. The development of the three major paradigms—realism, liberalism, and constructivism—has stagnated, and the gap between theory and policy implications has widened. Empirical research guided by middle-range theories are replacing traditional international relations theory that emphasize generalization and systematic frameworks. Although international relations theory remains important, neither realism, liberalism, nor constructivism have predicted correctly the influence of China’s rise on international politics. Against this backdrop, the American academic community also reflects on the theoretical foundations of the policy of engaging China. As obstacles to study China for researchers in Taiwan have increased, can we still rely on international relations theory to study Chinese foreign policy? This paper proposes four alternatives: historical approach, cross-national comparative approach, empirical research, and middle-range theory.