Pekingology
Overcoming the Emperor's Dilemma
Jan 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Wang Yuhua, an expert in state building at Harvard, dives into the intricate dynamics of political power in Imperial China. He explores how authoritarian regimes maintain stability and the lessons they offer for modern governance. The conversation highlights the resilience of meritocratic bureaucracy and critiques conventional views on state development. Wang also examines the impact of COVID-19 on Xi Jinping's rule, drawing fascinating parallels with historical governance, all while advocating for a broader understanding of diverse political systems.
37:56
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights China's impressive state capacity, emphasizing how government actions are often designed to benefit society despite its non-democratic nature.
- The discussion contrasts contemporary governance under Xi with historical patterns, illustrating the risks of centralizing power by dismantling elite factions essential for stability.
Deep dives
The Strength of the Chinese State
The podcast delves into the impressive state capacity of China, which has long been a topic of fascination for social scientists. The discussion emphasizes how the Chinese government effectively exerts control over various aspects of citizens' lives, such as implementing policies on family planning and vaccination programs. The strength of the Chinese state raises critical questions about the mechanisms that can limit such a powerful authority, particularly in a non-democratic context. This inquiry leads to an exploration of how economic and social dynamics can serve as constraints on the state, ensuring that government actions benefit society as a whole.
