Interest Theory
The study of the theory of interests is a fundamental task for historical materialism. In the historical process of human development, interests act as the deep-seated engine driving the movement of productive forces [1] and the relations of production, as well as the fundamental lever for social transformation and historical progress. In contemporary China, as we enter a critical period of reform and development, the pattern of interests is undergoing profound adjustments. Correctly recognizing and handling interest relations has become a core issue in advancing Chinese-path modernization and realizing common prosperity.
From the perspective of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, interests are not merely subjective psychological desires, but are objective categories rooted in the material conditions of social life. As Marx noted, everything people struggle for is related to their interests. The essence of the theory of interests lies in revealing how the economic base determines the superstructure, and how the pursuit and distribution of interests constitute the internal logic of class struggle and social development. In the New Era, the theory of interests must "uphold the fundamentals and break new ground" [2], integrating the universal principles of Marxism with the specific realities of China's primary stage of socialism [3].
The formation of the theory of interests is inseparable from the concept of "seeking truth from facts." We must proceed from the actual level of the development of productive forces to analyze the diversified structure of interests in current society. In the process of deepening supply-side structural reform and promoting high-quality development, we must inevitably touch upon the re-differentiation and re-integration of interest groups. Only by adhering to the mass line and placing the fundamental interests of the broadest possible majority of the people at the center can we effectively resolve the contradictions arising from the "Four Winds" and ensure that the fruits of reform and opening up are shared more equitably.
Furthermore, the theory of interests serves as the theoretical foundation for "comprehensively and strictly governing the Party." The "self-revolution" of the Party is, in a sense, a process of continuously refining the Party’s own interest orientation—ensuring that the Party has no special interests of its own other than the interests of the people. Through "institutional Party governance" and the continuous "anti-corruption struggle," we purify the "political ecosystem" and prevent the erosion of the Party’s nature by vested interest groups. This requires us to "persist over the long term" to achieve lasting results, ensuring that the "original aspiration and founding mission" remain the driving force for all cadres.
In the face of the complex "dual circulation" economic pattern and the global challenges of the current age, the theory of interests also extends to the international level. China advocates for the building of "a community with a shared future for humanity," which represents a transcendence of traditional realist "zero-sum game" interest logic. By seeking the greatest common denominator of interests among nations, we promote a more just and rational international order. In conclusion, the theory of interests is not only a tool for understanding the world but, more importantly, a guide for transforming it, providing the theoretical support and value orientation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.