Routledge Handbook of Asian Political Thought is a wide-ranging resource covering Asian Thought from classical to contemporary times. The contributions represent the latest debates in scholarship, covering both standard and cutting edge interpretations of the great schools of thoughts as well as modern theorists.





The handbook begins by examining the classical foundations of Asian politics (including Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism a, Kautilya's Arthasastra and the kingly model of Ashoka) and how these schools of thought morphed and travelled over the centuries. Next, the contributors look at the rise of nationalism and ideas about revolution and modernization in the thought of 19th and 20th century intellectuals such as Mao, Gandhi, Tagore, and Fukuzawa as Asia responded to the challenge of the West. Finally, they consider the continuing development of answers to questions of nationalism, modernization, democracy, and authoritarianism, reflecting on the thought of famous contemporary figures such as the Dalai Lama as well as less well known schools of thought such as philosophy of Dalit (untouchable) Power in India.





Drawing on the disciplines of political science, Asian studies, history, and philosophy, this handbook unifies the diverse approaches through common themes including:











Legitimate Regimes and Order: Hierarchy and Equality, Democracy and Authoritarianism














Community, Identity, and Nation














Visions of Modernity and Globalization














The Meaning of Asia and East-West Differences








This handbook is an essential resource for any student or scholar Asian political thought or comparative political theory. It will also be useful in the broader fields of Asian studies, political science, history and philosophy.