On Feb. 5, the Belgrade Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted China’s Fudan University Prof. Zhang Weiwei for a discussion of China’s role in geopolitics. Professor Zhang made the point that China’s system is fundamentally different from Western political structures, emphasizing that China is a “civilization-state” rather than a nation-state.
Professor Zhang explained that China’s system is based on a selection-based governance—which is also known as a meritocracy, although Zhang didn’t use that term—as opposed to electoral democracy. “Our model is not about political parties competing for votes every four years—it is about a long-term vision. The West focuses on ‘who governs,’ while China focuses on ‘how to govern well.’” He said the distinction is not a question of democracy versus autocracy, but a question of good governance. “The West believes its model is universal, but it has produced deep political dysfunction and populism. Democracy is not an end in itself—it is supposed to deliver good governance. If it fails to do that, then what is the point?” Zhang remarked. The balance of power in the world is changing.
Characterizing the world as undergoing a “geopolitical recession,” Zhang explained, “When the rules of the road no longer reflect the realities of the road, three things can happen: either the institutions are reformed, new institutions are built, or countries take unilateral action—even war, if necessary.”
