ABSTRACT
Contemporary Confucian discourse may soften or alleviate tensions among nations, especially between China and other global powers. Confucianism is experiencing a revival in twenty-first century China, and its discourse is spreading throughout the world. In recent years, experts in the field have published numerous works disclosing the impact and significance of this tradition. Nevertheless, it is time to acknowledge Confucianism not only academically but, more importantly, politically. In a world where Western-dogmas are dominant and China is increasingly becoming more influential in current global affairs, political rivalry should be replaced with synergistic collaborations. The only way to harmonise with the Asian giant is by understanding Chinese culture, society, politics, and philosophy and not merely in terms of international trade and economics. The spread of Confucianism is taking place in academic circles yet reaching non-scholarly audiences. This study observes how China, through the discourse of a specific group of experts on Confucianism, is being understood from without (i.e. outside of China). The contributions of some of the major exponents of contemporary Confucianism are presented in this essay to provide the reader with a general understanding of how Confucianism is still in dialogue with the modern world.
