A Theory of Power Structure and Institutional Compatibility: China versus Europe Revisited

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Jia, Ruixue; Roland, Gerard; Xie, Yang
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California San Diego; University of California System; University of California Berkeley; University of California System; University of California Riverside
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1542-4766
• DOI: 10.1093/jeea/jvad050
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 1275-1318
• 关键词: imperial china; dynastic cycle; GROWTH; constitutions; STABILITY; capacity; DYNAMICS; origins; west; rise

摘要

Tobetter understand institutional differences across space and time, we propose a two-dimensional framework of the power structure among three players in society: the degree of absolute power of the Ruler over the Elites and the People, and the degree of asymmetry between the latter two in terms of their everyday rights and power. Within this framework, we show that a more absolutist Ruler prefers a more balanced Elite-People relationship. This theory helps in particular to reconcile views on the comparison between imperial China and premodern Europe that would seem contradictory in one-dimensional or two-estate frameworks: the Ruler's absolute power was weaker in Europe, whereas the Elite-People relationship was more balanced in China. Our approach also helps more generally to interpret specific institutions and other variations in power structures.