1. Question Why is an interregnum-like system indispensable for the survival of the state, even though it is only a temporary measure to fill the vacancy of kingship? 2. Abstract An interregnum-like system is indispensable for the survival of the state because a vacancy in kingship is not merely the absence of a top leader. … Read more
A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) of Livy, History of Rome, Book 1 1. Question Why does a ruler who neglects ritual damage order in the long run even if he achieves military success? 2. Abstract A ruler who neglects ritual damages order in the long run even if he achieves military success because military victory itself … Read more
A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) of Livy, History of Rome, Book 1 1. Question Why did ritual become a device that converted state violence into order, rather than remaining a mere religious act? 2. Abstract Ritual became a device that converted state violence into order, rather than remaining a mere religious act, because in an ancient … Read more
A Structural Analysis of Governing Popular Sentiment in Zhenguan Zhengyao 1. Question Why can the people’s support not be gained by coercive methods, and why must governance be based on the ruler’s virtue? 2. Abstract In Zhenguan Zhengyao, Emperor Taizong discusses the governance of the people with his senior ministers. In these discussions, it is … Read more
1. Question Why does the success or failure of governance depend not on the formal design of institutions themselves, but on the awareness of the actors who operate them? 2. Abstract A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) reading of Zhenguan Zhengyao shows that the success or failure of state governance is not determined simply by whether institutions … Read more
