Tolerance and Compromise -- A Study of Zhang Shizhao's Theory of Harmony (Political and Social Changes in Modern China)

Author: Guo Huaqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The academic series "Political and Social Change in Modern China" is the final outcome of the "985" research project at Sun Yat-sen University of Guangzhou, focusing on the relationship between political and social change in modern China. Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project adopts a broad definition of politics, expanding the research scope to political thought, political institutions, international environment, foreign relations, as well as important political figures and major political events in modern China. 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 civilization, and the effects of political attitudes and governance theories, policies, and methods of important figures on society. It aims to explore the interactive relationship between politics and society from multiple perspectives and levels using political sociology theories and methods, and to evaluate the correctness of political ideas, propositions, and the governance of political figures based on the stability, progress, development, and degree of civilization of society. This is a new attempt. Modern Chinese politics was formed under the political framework of a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. On one side were capitalism, imperialism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which held political power in China; on the other side were the vast patriotic and revolutionary masses and various intellectuals pursuing progress and keeping pace with the times. These two sides represented the two social forces of China and reflected the two prospects of modern China. Their political ideas, thoughts, and proposals for reforming China constrained the development direction of modern China. Modern Chinese politics is the central content and foundational background for examining the social transformation of modern China. In modern 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 focuses on developing the economy, culture, and education, rapidly advancing Chinese society. Previous research on modern Chinese history has achieved fruitful results and significant breakthroughs in various aspects, but there are also shortcomings. For example, the study of political change, the key hub controlling the social transformation of modern China, has relatively weak research on its social impact, with a more urgent need for research and higher requirements. There is also a trend of shifting research focus from various social aspects back to the center and an objective demand for improving research from specific studies to a holistic grasp. Previous political history research emphasized class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political change in society, as well as its impact on the economy, culture, and education. To some extent, this limited the expansion of the research field and the theoretical advancement of modern Chinese political history. This project takes the interactive relationship between political and social change in modern China as the basic starting point. Building on existing micro-level research, it establishes an innovative and era-specific macro-level interpretive system, with the focus on expanding the research scope and deepening the research level. Through the combination of macro and micro research and the innovation of research 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 shortcomings, leaving considerable room for further development. Sun Yat-sen University has a strong tradition and advantage in the study of modern Chinese political thought, political institutions, political figures, and international relations. It leads the academic community both domestically and internationally in research on Sun Yat-sen and modern Chinese politics. The university adheres to academic norms, has long cultivated a spirit of seeking truth and facts, and has fostered a collaborative academic atmosphere, showing great potential in multiple areas. The research on the "Political and Social Change in Modern China" project involves senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are doctoral graduates, forming a research team with a mix of experience levels. Each researcher explores new frontiers based on their interests and findings. Many of the works presented are their doctoral theses, which received excellent evaluations from their dissertation committees after repeated revisions before being published. They have conducted specialized research on the relationship between modern Chinese politics and society from different perspectives and angles, each with unique characteristics and strengths, demonstrating foresight and academic rigor. The academic series "Political and Social Change in Modern China" now presented to the readers is the result of their hard work. We hope these achievements will help and inspire people to understand the relationship between politics and social change from new angles. Of course, we also expect criticism and corrections from readers and the academic community.