China's long quest for democracy

This study assumes liberal democracy is one of the most fundamental human values and that democratization in developing countries is desirable. The central issue is whether liberal democracy can be crafted into China. Inspired by Dankwart Rostow's genetic inquiry, and Terry Lynn Karl's structured contingency approach, this study explores the issue of China's democratic possibility by using multi-variable and historical comparison methods. Also, it employs the contrast of contexts approach to make a comparison between China and Taiwan on democratization conditions.; Liberal democratic ideas have no theoretical roots in the mainstream of the Chinese tradition. While Confucian emphasis on the people's well-being, political moralism, and intellectual elitism is at odds with traditional despotism, state centralism and political hierarchy were taken for granted. Lacking individualism and the notion of rule by the people, China's quest for democracy presupposes a cultural diffusion from the West.; The Chinese understanding of democracy in modern times was stimulated by national crises, the dysfunction of the traditional way of ruling and Western cultural diffusion and shaped by Confucian legacies, socioeconomic underdevelopment and external threats. Democracy was perceived as a perfect system and a means to create a powerful state, not a liberal way of life.; While Mao Zedong justified his leadership through the Four Great Freedoms and egalitarian income distribution, Deng Xiaoping attempted to strengthen the party's legitimacy through economic performance and socialist tutelary democracy. Yet, democratic centralism remains Beijing's fundamental principle. Contrary to the conventional image of China as an authoritarian regime with capitalist orientation, this study argues both totalitarianism and authoritarianism are relevant in examining the ambiguity of China's economic and political systems.; Although Taiwan, like China, has a legacy of Confucian authoritarianism and the Leninist-style party organization, it has unique conditions for democratization. One is Taiwan's constant opposition movement, fueled by ethnic conflicts, Kuomintang's legitimacy crisis, a liberal constitution, electoral channel and independent media. By contrast, China's opposition movement retains the characteristics of Confucian-style moral remonstrance. Considering China's authoritarian tradition, totalitarian legacies, marginal marketization, institutional continuities, strong state and weak society, its democratic prospects in the near future is obscure.