China: Between Confucianism, Marxism and Democracy

China is a country of contrasts. On the one hand, the strong Confucian tradition, and on the other hand, Communism, influenced by Marxism and the Bolshevik Revolution. The People’s Republic of China, as Stalin’s ally, followed the Soviet  doctrine, which was appartent not only in the system, bu also in  ideology.

The Western concepts of democracy have been attracting Chinese attention from the very beginning of the 20th century. Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which established the Republic, initiated a transformation towards democracy, unfortunately an unsuccessful one. Many Chinese intellectuals consider the Maoist Cultural Revolution of 1966 as another horrible attempt to introduce “mass democracy.” Since the mid-1980s, there has been a strong movement opting for “grassroots democracy,” whereas the beginning of the 21st century saw new attempts in introducing new forms of deliberative democracy and consultations. It seems that President Xi Jinping promotes all three political approaches, namely: the revival of Confucianism, a new “soft version” of Marxism and “consultative democracy” approved by the 18th Party Congress in 2018.

There are various opinions on these processes and policies, but undoubtedly China is changing. Professor Karl-Heinz Pohl will present his opinions on these changes.

“The series is the first in many years public presentation of topics related to contemporary Asia and its relations with Poland and the rest of the world. Participation in the whole series may provide a sound knowledge base for individuals interested in the region, for example for students of International Relations and Asian Studies”, says Professor Krzysztof Gawlikowski, Director of the Center for East Asian Civilization at SWPS University.

Format of Meetings

The Center for East Asian Civilization at SWPS University has been invited by the Public Library at Koszykowa Street in Warsaw to prepare a series of public panel discussions and presentations on East Asia, under the common title “Asian Dilemmas”. The topics discussed during these meetings include contemporary matters of the region as well as its international relations, with a special focus on the relations with Poland.

The first series, entitled “China - the New Power” run from January 2014 to June 2016. The meetings took place every last Thursday of the month. The new series, “Asian Dilemmas”, devoted to economic, political, cultural and social issues of the region, starts on October 27, 2016.

The panellists will include renowned Polish and international specialists and government representatives, experienced in relations with Asia. The series is organized in cooperation with Warszawska Szkoła Reklamy [Warsaw School of Advertising], which provides video recordings of the meetings, available on the websites of SWPS University and the Public Library of Warsaw.

The Asian Studies program offered at SWPS University in Warsaw, which focuses on China and East Asia, is unique in Poland and Europe.

The program offers an intensive Chinese (Mandarin) language learning (720 hours of instructions) and emphasises the practical use of language in everyday and business situations. Additionally, SWPS University offers an additional semester of study in China and supports students in securing scholarships for studying in Asia.

Students of Asian Studies become familiar with the culture, traditions and contemporary issues of the region. They learn about specifics of diplomacy in the region, international organizations and Asian business.

Additionally, they acquire competencies indispensable in relations with all Asian countries and especially with China - the biggest and most prominent country in the region.

SWPS University also offers English Studies program with extended Chinese (Mandarin).

More about the Program »