Abstract:

 Based on his research into traditional Chinese politics, Qian Mu developed a distinctive view and came to the conclusion that traditional Chinese politics since the Qing Dynasty was not autarchical. This view incurred much questioning and criticism. When researching into Qian’s view of traditional Chinese politics, we should at least heed to the following questions: Under what background did Qian put forward the “Non-Autarchy”? Which school of thought was he arguing against? What made him firm and consistent despite all the criticism and accusations? Did such political systems established upon Confucianism as the Imperial Examination System, the Impeachment and Expostulation System, the Rejection System and the Quan Electoral System put a premium or restriction on the monarchy? Does the phrase “autarchical darkness” suffice to summarize traditional Chinese politics? Is such understanding running the risk of being simplified or one-sided? Are there desirable points in Qian’s research into traditional Chinese politics? If the answer is “yes”, how to extract and sort out the essence of Qian’s research and make proper explanations? What mistakes did Qian make? And how to analyze his mistakes? Without answering these questions, it is groundless to make objective narrations or comments on the merits and demerits of Qian’s research on traditional Chinese politics. Qian’s non-autarchy view deserves more reflection and discussion among academic circles about traditional Chinese politics, and also offers a new perspective and line of thought in  the research of traditional Chinese politics and may stimulate an in-depth research into the topic.

Key words: Qian Mu, traditional politics, autarchy, historical view