Research on the Kuomintang's system

Author: Wang Zhaogang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: This book primarily explores the political system and development of the Kuomintang before the War of Resistance, which was mainly established around Sun Yat-sen's political concept of "" (political tutelage). It is also referred to as the " system." The book systematically analyzes the theoretical foundation, political framework, actual operation, and development trends of the system. It also delves into the relationship between the system and the political development and social modernization of China through the case study of local self-governance. The book argues that the core concepts of the system primarily include party governance, the Five-Yard System, and local self-governance. The fundamental structural characteristics of the system are the centralization of power and the personalization of authority, giving it a distinct authoritarian and autocratic flavor. The actual operation of the system is constrained by the institutional framework while also being influenced by various factors such as politics, economy, and traditional culture, resulting in an operational reality quite different from the original design. During the period, the overall political landscape of the Kuomintang was characterized by a mix of tradition and modernity, a disconnect between the central and local governments, and low government capacity. In the decade-long practice in Shaoshan, the Kuomintang regime's most notable achievement was launching a large-scale movement for local self-governance, aiming to transform Chinese society. The circumstances of this movement vividly reflect the political reforms and modern leadership capabilities of the Kuomintang regime, which is a key focus of this book.