Signaling Theory in International Relations: History of Concepts, Current State and Innovations in Development

Abstract

Under conditions of information asymmetry, the signal transmission and the interpretation of signals serve as a crucial means of communication among states. The article traces the evolution of signaling theory, with particu-lar attention to the accumulation of theoretical knowledge in Western science as well as its reception and inno-vative development in the Chinese academic environment. The authors demonstrate that Western signaling theory has progressed from the “convergence of two origins” stage, i.e. the parallel emergence of game theory and psychology, to empirical deepening within rationalism, and then to a revival phase marked by the plural-istic methodologies integration, which in turn has formed a multi-level theoretical system. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Chinese scientific community, after having gone through the stages of borrowing and mastering, of expanding research agenda, and theoretical innovation, has made a unique contribution to na-tionally distinctive theoretical development (e.g., strategic narrative). The research reveals that the evolution of signaling theory represents not only a process of continuous refinement of formal methods but also a historical process of theoretical rethinking and practical embodiment across diverse political cultures.