China and the democracy debate in the 19th and early 20th centuries

Abstract

The term democracy and its debate in China entered the agendas of both Chinese politicians and intellectuals in the mid-19th century. Thinkers such as Kang Youwei, Yan Fu, Liang Qichao, and Sun Yat-sen, among others, began to wonder how to adapt democracy to China's historical, economic, social, and political circumstances. Once this question was raised, they explored whether democracy, as understood in the West, was viable in China. Alternatively, they considered whether it should be adapted to China's specific characteristics. Lastly, as a third and final scenario, they pondered whether; after exploring all definitions, obstacles, benefits, and drawbacks, democracy should be rejected within the framework of Chinese thought.