Political Philosophy in Non-Western Traditions

Confucius believed that the ruler's right to rule was dependent on the approval of Heaven, and that if the ruler lost the Mandate of Heaven, they would be overthrown.

Wu wei, or non-action, is the idea that the best way to live in harmony with the Tao, or the Way, is to let go of desires and attachments and to allow things to happen naturally.

The Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft, military strategy, and economic policy written by Kautilya, an advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

Al-Farabi believed that the just ruler is one who is wise, virtuous, and just, and who rules in accordance with the law.

Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term that translates to 'humanity' or 'humanness', and it emphasizes the importance of community and consensus in decision-making.

Gustavo Gutierrez is a Peruvian priest and theologian who is considered to be the founder of liberation theology, a movement that seeks to apply Christian principles to the struggle for social justice.

Taoism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of harmony and balance between yin and yang, the two opposing forces that make up the universe.

Al-Farabi believed that the perfect man is one who is wise, virtuous, and just, and who has achieved a state of spiritual perfection.

Varna is a social stratification system in Hinduism that divides society into four classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Andre Gunder Frank is a German-American economist and sociologist who is known for his concept of dependency theory, which argues that the economic and political development of Latin America is dependent on the exploitation of the region by developed countries.

Legalism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of law and order, and it argues that the best way to govern a state is through the strict enforcement of laws.

Al-Farabi believed that the best form of government is one that is ruled by a philosopher-king, who is a wise and virtuous ruler who is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge.

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term that means 'non-violence', and it is a central principle of Jainism and Buddhism.

Edward Said is a Palestinian-American literary critic and theorist who is known for his concept of cultural imperialism, which argues that the culture of developed countries is imposed on developing countries through economic and political power.

Mohism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance, and it argues that the best way to govern a state is through the promotion of universal love and impartiality.