The digital lecture series “Chinese Perspectives: China and the World through the Eyes of Scholars” presents – in its fourth annual edition – leading Chinese scientists and their positions on current issues and developments in China and the world. Through lectures and the possibility for direct exchange and discussion, the series aim is to enter into dialogue and make perspectives of Chinese scholars accessible for European public debate.
The series is jointly organized by Confucius Institute at Freie Universität Berlin and Confucius Institute Metropolis Ruhr, in cooperation with Confucius Institute at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Confucius Institute at Milan State University and Confucius Institute at University of Rome La Sapienza.
The digital lectures are hosted via Zoom phone and video conference. Registration for the events is required.
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Friday, 16 May 2025, 12.00 h (CET)
Prof. Hu Zongshan 胡宗山, Central China Normal University
Rural Governance in China: Historical Legacies and Contemporary Challenges
In his lecture, Prof. Hu Zongshan explores key issues in China’s rural governance and examines how China’s current efforts to modernize and revitalize its rural governance structures are influenced by its historical legacy of rural administration. Drawing from his recently published two-volume work Rural Governance in Ancient China, he presents new research findings on village organization, household registration, land distribution systems, and the role of rural communities within the broader imperial state structure—spanning from the pre-Qin period to the late Qing Dynasty. Building on this historical foundation, Prof. Hu addresses contemporary challenges in China’s rural governance such as rural revitalization, governance reform, and the urban–rural transition, highlighting how historical insights continue to shape China’s policy landscape today.
Prof. Hu Zongshan 胡宗山 is Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations, Director of the Belt and Road Research Center, and Vice President of the Institute of Provincial Governance at Central China Normal University. His research interests include international relations theory, Chinese diplomacy, and grassroots governance. He has led more than 30 projects funded by the National Social Science Fund of China and published numerous academic papers, books, and textbooks, including 中国古代乡村治理 (Rural Governance in Ancient China, Vol. I & II, 2024), 国际关系理论方法论研究 (Research on International Relations Theory and Methodology, 2007), and 中国的和平崛起：理论、历史与战略 (China’s Peaceful Rise: Theory, History and Strategy, 2006).
Lecture in Chinese with English translation
Registration for the event:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PB_ZlgiUQpKduXgHIeeuTQ