Characteristics and Implications of the Decision-Making System and Think Tanks in Feudal China

Abstract

As a part of the political system, the consulting system for decision-making in feudal China is inevitably influenced by the political system prevailing in the dynasty concerned. The characteristics of the political systems in various dynasties are intrinsically connected with the evolution of the then-current think tanks. Think tanks originated in the Spring and Autumn Period, rose in Qin, Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties and were prosperous in Ming and Qing Dynasties. After analyzing the development process of the consulting system for decision-making in Feudal China, we find out that such system has the following characteristics: it has the dual attributes of dependence and independence; it is Feudal China’s inherent requirements to maintain long period of order and stability; the core force is the system of aides and staffs. Reflections on the implications of the consulting system for decision-making in Feudal China are of great significance in judging the development trend of China’s think tanks in the future. Thought is one of the weapons for a country to be properous. American scholar Paul Pierson said, In the process of institutional change,it is easy to form a self-strengthening path dependence , Once a system model is on track , The possibility of continued development along the same path will increase .Therefore, to reflect on the development process of the decision-making systems and think tanks in Feudal China is helpful for us to understand the status quo of think tanks in our country and judge the development trend of thinks tanks in the future.