Confucianism and democracy: testing four analytical models in an empirical world

In the past, debates have focused on the question of whether Confucianism is in conflict or compatible with democracy. While these two models are partially accurate, they are increasingly becoming inadequate when dealing with new political and social forces and new sets of questions concerning the relationship between democracy and Confucianism. This essay deconstructs the conventional conceptualization of the relationship between Confucianism and democracy through a critical and empirical examination of four ideal-type models of that relationship. These models can be characterized as conflictive, compatible, hybrid, and critical. The essay examines the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and tests each through empirical engagement.