A Comparative Study of Royal Marriages under the Tributary-Suzerainty and Feudal Orders: Taking Qutlugh Kelmish’s Marriage to Goryeo and Maximilian I’s Marriage to Burgundy as Examples

Abstract

In the tributary-suzerainty order of East Asia, Yuan- Goryeo’s royal marriage was carried out based on tribute dependence. The beginning and end of the marriage are based on the need for Mongol-Yuan dynasty indirect management, which will further consolidate the tribute system and deepen the subordinate relationship between both sides. Marriage also was a way to do political oversight, indirect governance, and cultural spreading, showing that there wasn’t much room for self in a hierarchical order. The Habsburgs’ marriage to Burgundy in the European feudal order is based on the power of the feudal system. Focused on interest bundling, power expansion, formed an interest group with close ties, promoting the unification of force in the region of Europe. Comparison between the two marriages can reveal the connection between civilization and order, which is also related to diplomacy; break the binary opposition of East/ West civilizations; it could serve as an important reference for cross-cultural diplomatic history research.