The Role of Confucianism in Shaping Political Culture in Modern China

Abstract

This article explores the enduring influence of Confucianism on the political culture of modern China, focusing on the ways in which Confucian ideals have been integrated into the Chinese Communist Party's governance model. The study examines the revival of Confucian thought under the leadership of Xi Jinping and its role in shaping national identity and political legitimacy. The paper traces Confucianism’s historical role in Chinese governance, its influence on Chinese political thought, and how its principles of hierarchy, family values, and moral leadership were reinterpreted in the context of socialist ideology. By analyzing political speeches, government policies, and philosophical writings, the article assesses how Confucianism intersects with Marxism-Leninism in contemporary China, reinforcing the authority of the state and shaping the relationship between the government and its citizens. The research concludes by reflecting on the future role of Confucianism in China's political landscape and its potential impact on global geopolitics.