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The Tradition of Great Unity and Its Implications for Contemporary National Governance

Author(s)

Wangoula Du

Affiliation(s)

School of Marxism, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Abstract

The concept of Great Unity provides an important perspective on historical order and governance traditions in China, encompassing an overarching order, institutional integration, and cultural connections. Using a thematic literature review, this article brings together classical texts, historical scholarship, and public management research to examine the meaning of Great Unity, its institutional manifestations, and the conditions for its contemporary application. It compares approaches in intellectual history, institutional history, and collaborative governance. The review argues that the tradition offers insights into coordination, compatible rules, and long-term public interests, but cannot by itself establish the effectiveness of particular governance measures. Contemporary applications should balance common standards with local variation and translate shared objectives into clear responsibilities, collaborative procedures, and feedback mechanisms. Future research should strengthen comparisons across periods, incorporate local historical evidence, and evaluate governance outcomes to clarify the limits of transferring historical experience to contemporary settings.

Keywords

Great Unity; Governance Traditions; National Governance; Regional Coordination; Public Services

References

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