The Impact of Traditional Chinese Philosophy on Global Political Culture: Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism in China’s Diplomacy and Governance

Authors

  • Li Li Li Southwest University Chongqing
  • Syed Tahir Abbas Southwest University Chongqing
  • Dong Yuqi Southwest University Chongqing
  • H.M.N.M.Ekanayaka Ekanayaka Southwest University Chongqing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/marcopolo.v3i5.74

Keywords:

Traditional Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, China’s Political Culture

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of traditional Chinese philosophies, Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism, on China’s political culture, governance, and foreign relations. Through a historical and philosophical analysis, the research explores how these traditions shape China’s approach to leadership, law, diplomacy, and international engagement. The key findings reveal that Confucianism emphasizes moral governance and social harmony, Taoism advocates for balance and non-interference, and Legalism focuses on state control and the rule of law. These philosophies, though distinct, coexist and influence China’s political system, creating a hybrid model that balances stability, state power, and ethical leadership. The paper concludes by highlighting how these traditions continue to shape China’s role in global diplomacy and international governance, offering an alternative to Western political ideologies.

References

Chen, P. (2010). Legalism and the Chinese state: A study of the Qin dynasty. Chinese Political Science Review, 15(2), 40-53.

Elman, B. A. (2000). A cultural history of the civil service examination in imperial China. University of California Press.

Han Fei. (2015). The Han Feizi: A study of Chinese legalism. Oxford University Press.

Kuan, H. (2015). The role of Confucianism in China’s foreign policy. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 6(1), 45-60.

Laozi. (1993). Tao Te Ching: A new translation. Penguin Classics.

Laozi. (1993). Tao Te Ching: A new translation. Penguin Classics.

Shambaugh, D. (2013). China goes global: The partial power. Oxford University Press.

Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. Public Affairs.

Shambaugh, D. (2013). China goes global: The partial power. Oxford University Press.

Sullivan, J. (2018). Taoism and Chinese foreign policy: The influence of the Tao in modern diplomacy. Asian Studies Review, 16(2), 235-249.

Sullivan, J., & Xie, Y. (2018). Education reform and the rise of China in the global knowledge economy. Journal of Chinese Political Science, 23(4), 523-546.

Tu, W. (1998). Confucianism and the world order: The role of China in the twenty-first century. Asian Philosophy, 8(2), 215-232.

Wang, J. (2014). China’s diplomacy: A historical perspective. Cambridge University Press.

Yao, X. (2000). An introduction to Confucianism. Cambridge University Press.

Zhao, S. (2017). China’s foreign policy and international relations: Historical foundations and contemporary strategies. Routledge.

Zhao, S. (2017). Legalism and its impact on China’s governance and foreign policy. Chinese Political Science Review, 6(2), 30-42.

Zhao, S. (2017). The political economy of China’s global education diplomacy. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 3(1), 54-71.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-19

Issue

Section

Articles