Path Dependence and the Authoritarian Regime in Traditional Chinese Culture: A Historical Institutionalism Framework of Analysis

Abstract

The democratic transition in China seems to be more difficult than the European countries. Especially after three decades economic reform, the debates about the future direction of democratization become more heated than ever. This article analyzes the influences of traditional culture on democratization from historical institutionalism perspective. The article gives out four dimensions framework to explain the path dependence of traditional authoritarian culture. These four dimensions include: the bureaucratic system, Confucian theory, the imperial examination system, and rewards and punishing measures. It explains why the authoritarian culture could be accepted by the public and how it influences peoples’ behavior.