Yang Shuangmei  Zeng Xianghong

Abstract: As a classical theory of sociology and psychology, the role theory could also be employed to explain regional governance activities of states. This paper attempts to explore how to understand the inter-role conflicts faced by states in international politics. Inter-role conflicts are characterized by overload of role expectation and ambiguity of role expectation, correspondingly, role learning and role adaptation could solve these conflicts. Based on existing analysis and by discussing the process of U.S.'s role enactment of regional governance in Central Asia, we find that inter-role conflicts of U.S. in Central Asia are specifically manifested as overload and ambiguity of role expectations. In order to cope with these conflicts, the US has adopted two ways including role learning and role adaptation, of which the latter is better in terms of effects. By discussing conflicts and adjustments of the US in regional governance, we could have a better understanding of national role enactment.