Ancient Chinese Governance Essentials

Author: Ji Baocheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book is a research-oriented textbook written for Master of Public Administration (MPA) students. The entire book is divided into three parts: Thought, Practice, and System, with a focus on a macroscopic summary of ancient Chinese governance principles and political techniques.
The Thought section primarily explores the fundamental concepts, guiding principles, value orientations, and thinking methods for governing and stabilizing the state in Chinese history. Unlike general intellectual histories, it analyzes various thoughts and principles, primarily those of pre-Qin thinkers and schools, that influenced later governance practices from the perspective of statecraft.
The Practice section focuses on the lessons learned from governance in the imperial era of China, selecting case studies of statecraft practices under different types and backgrounds, such as the rise to power, reforms, and the decline of dynasties. It examines issues related to decision-making principles, administrative techniques, and governance levels, with particular emphasis on analyzing how outstanding political leaders implemented various thoughts into practical governance.
The System section, while critiquing authoritarianism, emphasizes the institutional design of ancient Chinese governance. It summarizes the continuous refinement of administrative, legal, civil service selection, official discipline, military affairs, financial, and tax systems through long-term governance practices, and explores the internal mechanisms of institutional operation.
This book aims to provide rich historical insights for contemporary governance and management.