术 (Shù), often translated as "strategy" or "statecraft," represents the techniques, methods, and pragmatic skills employed by rulers to maintain control and govern effectively. In Legalist philosophy, Shù is distinct from law (法, Fǎ) and power (势, Shì), focusing instead on the ruler’s personal ability to manage their officials and enforce their policies.
Shù emphasizes the art of governance through subtlety, secrecy, and manipulation. It involves using surveillance, rewarding loyalty, and punishing dissent to ensure that officials and subjects act in accordance with the ruler’s will. A competent ruler must master Shù to ensure that the state functions efficiently and that their authority remains unchallenged.
The concept of Shù is closely associated with Han Feizi (韩非子), a key Legalist thinker. In the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when internal corruption and external threats were rampant, Shù was considered essential for maintaining state stability. Han Feizi argued that a ruler’s success depended not only on laws and power but also on their skill in managing human behavior and ensuring loyalty among officials.
From a Chinese perspective, Shù reflects the pragmatic and results-oriented nature of governance. It emphasizes the importance of competence, adaptability, and foresight in leadership. In modern China, the CCP applies Shù in its governance strategies, particularly in its internal organization and foreign policy.
Key Characteristics in CCP Governance:
Personnel Management:
The CCP uses Shù in managing officials through systems like the anti-corruption campaign, ensuring loyalty and preventing abuses of power.
Secrecy and Strategy:
The CCP’s long-term planning, including initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, reflects the use of Shù in crafting strategic policies to achieve national goals.
1. Qin Dynasty and Han Feizi’s Advice:
Han Feizi emphasized that rulers should monitor officials through secretive means to prevent deceit. For example, a ruler should avoid favoritism by relying on merit-based systems while ensuring that no official becomes too powerful.
2. Modern Anti-Corruption Campaigns:
President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive embodies Shù by using strict monitoring and enforcement to maintain loyalty and discipline within the party.
3. Diplomatic Strategy – Belt and Road Initiative:
The CCP’s use of soft power and economic influence to strengthen ties with developing nations reflects the application of Shù in international relations.
4. Propaganda and Public Perception Management:
The CCP employs Shù through its media strategies to shape public opinion, ensuring societal cohesion and alignment with national goals.
Manipulation vs. Leadership:
Americans might perceive Shù as overly manipulative or cynical compared to their ideal of transparent and ethical leadership. In the Chinese context, Shù is a practical tool to ensure stability and prevent abuses of power.
Secrecy vs. Openness:
The emphasis on secrecy in Shù contrasts with Western values of transparency, potentially leading to misunderstandings about Chinese governance practices.
Efficiency over Morality:
Westerners may find Shù at odds with their emphasis on moral leadership. In Legalist thought, efficiency and results take precedence over moral considerations.
Shù reflects the historical and cultural importance of pragmatic governance in maintaining stability. It recognizes the complexities of human behavior and the challenges of managing a large and diverse state. In modern China, Shù continues to inform strategies for both domestic governance and international diplomacy, highlighting the CCP’s emphasis on discipline, competence, and long-term planning.