Innovation Series: Advanced Science (ISSN 2938-9933)

A Modern Interpretation of Wang Ba's Distinction: An Analysis of the Three Elements of Leadership Power, Profit and Virtue

Yuzhou Zou¹, Yuanyuan Zeng²

¹ Philosophy and Religious Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

² School of Law and Intellectual Property, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou, China

Abstract: This study begins with the traditional debate between Wang and Ba, employing an element reduction method to deconstruct the concepts of royal way and hegemonic way into three fundamental leadership elements: power (deterrence), interests (benefit distribution), and virtue (moral appeal). The research systematically analyzes the inherent limitations in implementing these elements individually or in pairs, demonstrating the historical inevitability and rationality of their combined application. Through a historical examination of Emperor Xuan of Han's governance practices, the feasibility of the kingdom-hegemony-way hybrid model—combining power, interests, and virtue—is verified. The study further explores the implications of this model for the Sinicization of contemporary good governance theory.

Keywords: The distinction between hegemony and dominance; Three elements of leadership; The combination of hegemonic and non-hegemonic approaches; Good governance

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