The China Model: Political Meritocracy and the Limits of Democracy
VIEW EVENT DETAILSMeet the Author Series
Drinks reception 6:30pm;
Presentation 7:00pm;
Close 8:00pm
What is the right formula for choosing political rulers? The idea that a political system should aim to select leaders with superior ability and virtue has a long history, both in the West and in China. It is arguably good for a political community to be governed by high-quality leaders and in particular, government officials selected and promoted on the basis of ability and morality, rather than political loyalty, wealth or family background. What are the major qualities that matter for political leaders? What are the mechanisms and institutions that can increase the likelihood that officials are selected and promoted on the basis of those qualities in the Chinese context? Daniel A. Bell, Chair Professor of the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University and author of "The China Model: Political Meritocracy and the Limits of Democracy”, will explore how the Chinese-style political meritocracy can be morally desirable and politically stable, and how it can help remedy the key flaws of electoral democracy.
Daniel A. Bell is Chair Professor of the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University in Beijing and Director of the Berggruen Institute of Philosophy and Culture. His main interests are ethics, political philosophy, and comparative studies in Western and Chinese philosophy. His books include “The China Model”, “Spirit of Cities”, “China’s New Confucianism”, “Beyond Liberal Democracy”, and “East Meets West”, and he is the Editor of the Princeton-China Series. Prof. Bell previously taught at the University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong between 1996 and 2003. His published comments appear in leading media outlets in China and the West and his works have been translated in 23 languages. He graduated from Oxford University and received his Ph.D. in political philosophy.
Event Details
Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty