Against Political Equality

The Confucian Case

Tongdong Bai

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English

Princeton University Press
19 October 2021

Philosophy; Social & political philosophy; Confucianism; History of ideas; Political science & theory

Series: The Princeton-China Series

How a hybrid Confucian-engendered form of governance might solve today's political problemsWhat might a viable political alternative to liberal democracy look like? In Against Political Equality, Tongdong Bai offers a possibility inspired by Confucian ideas.

Bai argues that domestic governance influenced by Confucianism can embrace the liberal aspects of democracy along with the democratic ideas of equal opportunities and governmental accountability to the people. But Confucianism would give more political decision-making power to those with the moral, practical, and intellectual capabilities of caring for the people. While most democratic thinkers still focus on strengthening equality to cure the ills of democracy, the proposed hybrid regime-made up of Confucian-inspired meritocratic characteristics combined with democratic elements and a quasi-liberal system of laws and rights-recognizes that egalitarian qualities sometimes conflict with good governance and the protection of liberties, and defends liberal aspects by restricting democratic ones. Bai applies his views to the international realm by supporting a hierarchical order based on how humane each state is toward its own and other peoples, and on the principle of international interventions whereby humane responsibilities override sovereignty.

Exploring the deficiencies posed by many liberal democracies, Against Political Equality presents a novel Confucian-engendered alternative for solving today's political problems.

By: Tongdong Bai
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9780691230207
ISBN 10: 069123020X
Series: The Princeton-China Series
Pages: 344
Publication Date: 19 October 2021
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Tongdong Bai is the Dongfang Professor of Philosophy at Fudan University in Shanghai and a Global Professor of Law at New York University School of Law. His books include China: The Political Philosophy of the Middle Kingdom.

Reviews for Against Political Equality: The Confucian Case

For Bai, Confucian political ideals are a cure not only for the moral failures of the Communist totalitarian state, but also for the ills of liberal democracy. ---James Hankins, American Affairs One striking feature of Bai's theory is its insistence on preserving certain liberal elements, even while compromising democracy with meritocratic hierarchy. ---Alan Patten, Review of Politics An insightful guide to a mode of thinking becoming ever stronger in a China that has turned strongly against liberalism. ---Rana Mitter, Financial Times