The Political Culture Debate Applied to China

O’Neil mentions in Essentials of Comparative Politics democracy doesn’t work in some cultures due to some long term cultural traditions, one that he mentioned was Confucianism (O’Neil 72).  Confucianism implies a strict patriarchal obedience and in turn obedience to the emperor who was often regarded as somewhat of a father figure.  The latent Confusionist beliefs in Chinese Society help to explain why the rise of despotism has been prevalent.  From the Emperors to Mao to the most recent leader, Hu Jintao.  In an article written on January 11, 2005 China’s Leader Shows his Stripes by Tim Luard and published in the BBC Luard writes, “But one leading liberal intellectual who agreed to talk to the BBC said Mr Hu had already proved himself “more fundamentalistic” than either of his two predecessors” (Luard).  This fundamental approach is clear in that he rose to the most powerful man in China in about two years controlling most aspects of society (Luard).