Interface and Conflict -- The Evolution of the Three Principles of the People After Sun Yat-sen (Political and Social Changes in Modern China)

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 a profound 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 changes 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, the international environment, foreign relations, as well as key 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 progress, and its influence on 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 sociological theories and methods. It evaluates political thought, 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 were the vast patriotic and revolutionary masses and various intellectuals striving for progress and keeping pace with the times. These two sides represented the two social forces in China and reflected the two possible futures of modern China. Their political ideologies, thoughts, and proposals for reforming China constrained the development path of modern China. Modern Chinese politics is the central focus 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, rapidly advancing Chinese society. Previous research on modern and contemporary 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 the social transformation of modern China—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, as well as an objective requirement to move from specific studies to a more comprehensive grasp.
Traditional political history research has focused on class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political changes in society, as well as their impact on the economy, culture, and education. To some extent, this has limited the expansion of the field and the advancement of theories in modern and contemporary Chinese political history. This project takes the interactive relationship between modern and contemporary Chinese politics and social transformation as the basic starting point. Building on existing micro-level research, it establishes an innovative and era-specific macro-level interpretive system, guided by the expansion of observational scope and the deepening of research levels. Through the combination of macro and micro approaches and the innovation of research methods, it aims to enhance research standards and open new pathways.
The history of modern and contemporary Chinese politics is an important aspect of modern and contemporary 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 and contemporary 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 a collaborative academic atmosphere, and has great potential in multiple areas.
The research on the "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" project includes senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are doctoral graduates, forming a research team that combines experience, middle-aged, and young scholars. Each member explores new frontiers based on their interests and research findings. Many of the works are their doctoral theses, which received favorable evaluations from their dissertation committees after repeated revisions before being published. They have conducted specialized research on the relationship between modern and contemporary Chinese politics and society from different perspectives, each with unique characteristics and strengths, demonstrating foresight and academic rigor.
The "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" academic series presented to readers is the result of their hard work. It is hoped that these achievements will help people understand the relationship between politics and social transformation from new angles and provide enlightenment. Of course, we also look forward to criticism and guidance from readers and the academic community.