1. Introduction

The paradigm of global governance consists of governance issues, actors, mechanisms, and environments, initially centered on interstate relations, with non-state actors later gaining prominence. Political parties, as non-state actors, have not received sufficient attention in their role in global governance—closely tied to governments yet lacking dynamism, and devoid of the political decision-making and executive capabilities of state actors. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the negative effects of economic globalization became apparent, prompting a reevaluation of the relationship between state actors and the global governance system, with political parties gaining significance. Currently, the influence of political parties on global governance is becoming increasingly evident. Domestic research primarily employs two analytical frameworks: first, the "party politics—national governance—global governance" framework, emphasizing the driving role of political parties in domestic and foreign affairs and global governance; second, the "ruling party—foreign strategy—global governance" framework, exploring how shifts in ruling parties' perceptions impact global governance. This paper draws on both frameworks to comprehensively examine the interactive relationship between political parties and global governance, offering new insights for China to play a more effective role in global governance.

2. The Mutation of Party Politics and the "Collective Dysfunction" of Western Countries in the Global Governance System

This section explores the impact of mutated party politics on Western countries' participation in the global governance system. Disordered party-political ecosystems have led to imbalances in interactions among sovereign states within the global governance system, particularly in Western developed nations. Since the 21st century, economic financialization, weak real economies, expanding fiscal deficits, and worsening wealth concentration in countries like the U.S. have left ruling parties unable to provide adequate employment opportunities and moderate social welfare for middle- and low-income groups. Policy levers have failed, market principles clash with social protection principles, and societal divisions and political polarization have emerged. Traditional party systems have mutated, with two-party systems devolving into polarized two-party or multiparty systems, resulting in erratic policy shifts and declining government effectiveness. The rise of right-wing populist parties, the centering of new far-right parties, and the populist drift of traditional mainstream parties have weakened Western countries' capacity to engage in global governance. Since Trump's return to power, the U.S. has adhered to an "America First" policy, cutting foreign aid funding and exacerbating crisis awareness among Western nations, increasing mutual distrust and undermining the political foundation for international cooperation to address global challenges.

3. The Transformation of Major-Party Politics, Enhanced Governance Capacity, and the Rapid Rise of the "Global South"

This section discusses how, amid the collective dysfunction of Western countries and the absence of a cohesive global governance structure, order and stability have become primary demands for reforming the global governance system. Stable and effective party systems have emerged as a "high-quality constant" for Global South countries participating in global governance. Huntington argued that party systems are crucial to national modernization, with countries lacking robust parties facing constraints in political, economic, and social modernization. Global South nations bear the brunt of global challenges, yet some—such as China, Indonesia, and Brazil—demonstrate a willingness to promote South-South cooperation, becoming key forces in collective advancement. Polls by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center show that in emerging economies, at least 60% of respondents hold positive views of their ruling parties, reflecting relatively stable party systems in these countries. The success of the Communist Party of China (CPC) offers new ideas for constructing a new global governance paradigm. China's international development cooperation showcases distinctive strengths and embodies its efforts as a responsible major power to transform the paradigm of global public goods provision. The CPC's leadership in China's modernization and its achievements in global governance present a viable non-capitalist path to modernization for late-developing nations. Ideologically, the CPC consistently represents the fundamental interests of the broadest populace, with a people-centered ethos that dictates its foreign policy commitment to promoting shared human values and building a community with a shared future for humanity. Institutionally, China's party-state system provides a stable leadership framework for formulating and implementing foreign policy. Materially, the Belt and Road Initiative lays the groundwork for China and other nations to jointly pursue development, offering practical experience for Global South countries to tackle global governance challenges. Culturally, the CPC's historical traditions and contemporary focus on international engagement enrich cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, fostering mutual trust between parties and states.

4. Conclusion

The "retreat" of Western countries has exacerbated structural issues in the global governance system, shifting its paradigm from "Western leadership" to "pluralistic co-governance." From a party-political perspective, the emerging governance landscape features a bifurcated power structure and methodological paths. The CPC has become a model for emerging markets and developing nations. Moving forward, attention must be paid to the subjective role of political parties in global governance, leveraging the CPC's leadership to ensure China's steady participation in global governance and uniting Global South countries to address post-Western-era challenges.