China's New Confucianism: Politics and Everyday Life in a Changing Society (review)

[ 164 ] asia policy China’s New Confucianism: Politics and Everyday Life in a Changing Society Daniel A. Bell Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2008 • 258 pp. This book explores the influence of Confucianism on politics, economics, and everyday life in contemporary China, and draws implications for China’s role in the international arena. main argument Given that communism has lost its capacity to inspire the Chinese, there is a need both for a new moral foundation for political rule in China as well as for a new philosophy that can provide moral guidance in everyday life. To the surprise of many Sinologists, the new philosophy under consideration in China does not owe much to Western liberal-democracy. Rather, the old and venerable tradition of Confucianism is being revived and debated by government officials and critical intellectuals, as well as by ordinary citizens. The distinctive features of contemporary Chinese society reflect Confucian assumptions, values, and practices that offer a compelling alternative to Western liberalism. policy implications • Western countries should not assume that liberal democracy is the only morally defensible alternative to the status quo in China; they should allow for the possibility of alternatives built on China’s own political traditions. • Creative adaptation of the Confucian legacy can be helpful for dealing with the challenges of contemporary China. • An appreciation of the Confucian realities and tendencies of what is often referred to as Communist China will help defuse misunderstandings and the dangers of unnecessary conflict between China and the West. ...