ChinaTalk Autocracy, Exams and Stagnation: Imperial China's Modern Legacy
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Sep 23, 2024 In conversation with Yasheng Huang, an influential author and scholar, the podcast delves into the impact of China's imperial examination system on governance and societal structures. Huang discusses how the keju system cultivated meritocracy within autocratic dynasties, enabling stability and growth. He reveals surprising connections between historical events and modern economic prospects in China and Taiwan. Additionally, they examine the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western political models, offering insights into the future of governance in the region.
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Frictionless Autocracy
- Emperor Wanli wanted to name his third son as successor, facing bureaucratic opposition.
- Henry VIII needed permissions for his marriage, highlighting China and England's differing power dynamics.
Exams over Warfare
- Ancient China assessed human capital with exams, unlike the West's focus on military achievements.
- The Sui Dynasty formalized this exam system (Keju) in the 6th century, unifying and stabilizing China.
China's European Moment
- The Han-Sui Interregnum (220-581 CE) was China's "European moment", marked by fragmentation, political freedom, and technological peaks.
- This era, often overlooked, saw a surge in inventions and humanistic creativity, similar to post-Roman Europe.
