Pekingology Overcoming the Emperor's Dilemma
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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.
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Convergence Assumption
- Political science literature often assumes all countries will converge towards a Western model.
- This "convergence assumption" overlooks alternative, stable forms of government like China's.
State Capacity
- State capacity refers to a state's ability to mobilize resources, especially taxes.
- It reflects the agreement between rulers and elites and requires information about income and population.
The King's Dilemma
- European rulers faced the King's Dilemma: balancing success (resource extraction) with survival (avoiding elite revolt).
- Representative institutions like Parliament helped solve this by enabling bargaining and consent.