國際關係理論多集中於討論無政府狀態(anarchy)假設延伸下的國家互動，對國際體系中的層級(hierarchy)現象，並沒有多所注意。尤其新現實 主義的研究典範，忽略國際體系發生層級結構的可能性，更輕視討論層級結構的價值。 層級結構是國家在國際體系內追求發展與生存的過程中，所衍生出的一種權力分配暨權威(authority)規範的建構結果。霸權穩定論(Hegemony Stability Theory)與權力轉移論(Power Tran..

Neorealism and Neoliberial-institutionalism have paid little attention to the international hierarchy because international hierarchy could not take place in an international anarchic structure. The international hierarchy is a constructed result coming from the interaction of power distribution and normative authority in the process of which states seek survival and development in the international system. The international hierarchy has four characters: the asymmetry of actor’s power resources, the differen..