Interface and Conflict: The Evolution of the Three Principles of the People After Sun Yat-sen (1925~1945)

Author: Zhang Junmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The Three Principles of the People were the ideological instruments that upheld the National Revolution. After Sun Yat-sen's death, different individuals, groups, and classes interpreted them with varying attitudes and perspectives. The author provides an in-depth interpretation of this thought-provoking historical phenomenon. The "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" academic series is the final outcome of a research project at Sun Yat-sen University under the "985" initiative, focusing on the relationship between political and social transformations in modern China.
Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project adopts a broad definition of politics, expanding the research scope to include modern Chinese political thought, political institutions, international environments, foreign relations, as well as key political figures and significant events. By integrating politics and society, it examines the relationship between politics and the economy, the impact of politics on education and talent cultivation, the role of politics in social stability and progress, and political foreign relations. It also analyzes the social effects of the political attitudes and governance theories, policies, and methods of important figures. The study employs a multi-angle, multi-layered approach, attempting to explore the interactive relationship between politics and society using political sociology theories and methods. It measures and evaluates the correctness of political ideas, doctrines, and the governance of political figures based on the stability, progress, development, and level of civilization of society. This is a new attempt.
Modern Chinese politics emerged within the political framework of a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. On one side were capitalism, imperialism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which held China's ruling power; on the other side were the vast patriotic and revolutionary masses and various intellectuals who pursued progress and kept pace with the times. These two sides represented two social forces in China, reflecting two potential futures for modern China. Their political ideologies, thoughts, and proposals for reforming China constrained the development path of modern China. Modern Chinese politics is the central content and foundational background for examining the social transformation of modern China.
In contemporary China, political power is held by the broad masses, with the state's power center being the central government led by the Communist Party of China. The state concentrates its efforts on developing the economy, culture, and education, enabling rapid social progress. Previous research on modern Chinese history has achieved significant results and breakthroughs in various aspects, but there are also shortcomings. For instance, the study of political transformation—the key hub controlling modern Chinese social transformation—has relatively weak research on its social impact, necessitating more urgent and higher demands for further study. There is also a trend of shifting research focus from various social aspects back to the center and an objective requirement to improve from specific studies to a holistic grasp.
Traditional political history research emphasized class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political transformation in society, as well as its impact on the economy, culture, and education. To some extent, this limited the expansion of the field and theoretical advancement of modern Chinese political history research. This project takes the interactive relationship between modern Chinese politics and social transformation as the basic starting point. Building on existing micro-studies, it establishes an innovative and era-specific macro-explanatory system, guided by the expansion of observational scope and the deepening of research levels. Through the combination of macro and micro research and innovative methods, it aims to enhance research standards and open new paths.
The history of modern Chinese politics is an important aspect of modern Chinese history research. Overall, past research has been characterized by both a large number of achievements and severe flaws, leaving considerable room for further development. Sun Yat-sen University has a strong tradition and advantage in researching modern Chinese political thought, political institutions, political figures, and international relations. It leads the field in studies on Sun Yat-sen and modern Chinese politics both domestically and internationally. The university adheres to academic norms, has long fostered a spirit of seeking truth and realism, and has developed a collaborative academic atmosphere, demonstrating great potential in multiple areas.
Participants in the "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" project include senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are PhD holders, forming a research team that combines experience, middle-aged, and young scholars. Each researcher explores new frontiers based on their interests and findings. Many of their works are PhD theses that received excellent evaluations from their defense committees and were published only after repeated revisions. They have conducted specialized research on the relationship between modern Chinese politics and society from different perspectives, each with unique strengths and contributions, demonstrating foresight and academic rigor.
The "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" academic series presented to readers is the fruit of their hard work. We hope these achievements will help people understand the relationship between politics and social transformation from new angles. Of course, we also expect criticism and guidance from readers and the academic community.