Biweekly Symposium No. 522: Political Legitimacy and China's Political Development

Lecturer: Professor YU Jianrong

Host: Professor SHENG Hong, Director of Unirule Institute of Economics

Commentators: LEI Yi, ZHOU Xiaozheng, YUAN Gang, JING Yuejin, DUAN Demin, ZHANG Shuguang

Professor YU Jianrong thought the political development of Chinese society is a debatable issue, which is sensitive and influential.

After years of sociological research, Professor YU came to two conclusions: firstly, China will embrace seminal political change in the next ten years; secondly, as long as the party sticks to the right track and conducting reforms, China will be able to go through the transition smoothly. If China stops reforms, or steers to the wrong path, or loses its tempo, blood-shedding unrest may occur.

He introduced his reasoning. The political legitimacy refers to the basis of ruling There are four sources of legiticy. Firstly, violent revolution and the jungle rule may serve as a source of legitimacy. Secondly, god grants power to kings and emperors. Thirdly, the family origin may serve as a source for legitimacy. And lastly, democracy and rule of law.