Confucianism not Communism

Political scientist Daniel Bell argues in The Malta Independent that Communism could be replaced in China not by liberal democracy but by left-wing Confucianism: "[Ancient] Confucianism was combined with legalism, China's other main political tradition, to justify practices like blind obedience, the oppression of women and harsh punishment. The 'official' Confucianism being revived today may be less dangerous - it stresses social harmony and peaceful conflict resolution - but it remains morally conservative. However there is another interpretation of Confucianism, let us call it 'leftist Confucianism'. This stresses the duty of intellectuals to criticise poor governance, obliges governments to promote the people's welfare and helps care for those with no family ties. In addition it calls on governments ... to prefer moral fortitude over military strength in pursuing political ends. ... Today left-wing Confucianism is the most viable alternative to China's political status quo."

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