
Meritocratic Democracy: Confucian and Western Political Theory - Elena Ziliotti | 2024 Episode 26
10/15/24 • 58 min
In this interview with Assistant Professor Elena Ziliotti, we explore the contrasts between meritocratic democracy and traditional governance, drawing insights from both Western and Confucian political theories. Ziliotti discusses the strengths and weaknesses of political meritocracy, offering reflections on its applicability in diverse global contexts.
Elena Ziliotti is a tenured Assistant Professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy at the Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. She works on Comparative political theory, focusing on debates in contemporary Confucian and Western political theory.
The latest book:
Meritocratic Democracy: A Cross-Cultural Political Theory https://academic.oup.com/book/57408
Content: (1) Meritocratic Democracy vs. Traditional Governance; (2) East vs. West: Understanding Meritocracy; (3) Epistemic Superiority of Democratic Rule; (4) Defining Public-Spirited Political Leaders; (5) Addressing Voter Manipulation Concerns; (6) Weaknesses of Political Meritocracy: A Confucian View; (7) Political Parties in a Cross-Cultural Context; (8) Democratic Institutions vs. Meritocratic Governance; (9) The Role of Partisan Juries in Candidate Selection; (10) Balancing Meritocracy and Democratic Equality; (11) Singapore and China; (12) Benefits of Confucian Insights for Western Democracy; (13) Bridging Western and Confucian Political Theories; (14) Influence of Eastern and Western Thought on Elena’s Research; and (15) Goals for Meritocratic Democracy in Diverse Contexts.
Official website:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this interview with Assistant Professor Elena Ziliotti, we explore the contrasts between meritocratic democracy and traditional governance, drawing insights from both Western and Confucian political theories. Ziliotti discusses the strengths and weaknesses of political meritocracy, offering reflections on its applicability in diverse global contexts.
Elena Ziliotti is a tenured Assistant Professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy at the Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. She works on Comparative political theory, focusing on debates in contemporary Confucian and Western political theory.
The latest book:
Meritocratic Democracy: A Cross-Cultural Political Theory https://academic.oup.com/book/57408
Content: (1) Meritocratic Democracy vs. Traditional Governance; (2) East vs. West: Understanding Meritocracy; (3) Epistemic Superiority of Democratic Rule; (4) Defining Public-Spirited Political Leaders; (5) Addressing Voter Manipulation Concerns; (6) Weaknesses of Political Meritocracy: A Confucian View; (7) Political Parties in a Cross-Cultural Context; (8) Democratic Institutions vs. Meritocratic Governance; (9) The Role of Partisan Juries in Candidate Selection; (10) Balancing Meritocracy and Democratic Equality; (11) Singapore and China; (12) Benefits of Confucian Insights for Western Democracy; (13) Bridging Western and Confucian Political Theories; (14) Influence of Eastern and Western Thought on Elena’s Research; and (15) Goals for Meritocratic Democracy in Diverse Contexts.
Official website:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

Kurdish Relations with the World - Marianna Charountaki | 2024 Episode 25
In this insightful interview, Dr. Marianna Charountaki delves into the complex dynamics of Kurdish politics, examining the impact of the 2003 U.S. invasion on the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and the effects of the 2017 independence referendum. She discusses global perceptions of the Kurds, Türkiye’s response to the PKK, and the KRG’s intricate relations with Baghdad and oil exports. Additionally, Dr. Charountaki addresses the Kurds’ pivotal role in the Syrian conflict and their ongoing political aspirations, shedding light on their struggle for recognition and rights.
Content: (1) Impact of the 2003 U.S. Invasion on the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG); (2) Global Perceptions of the Kurds; (3) Türkiye’s Response to the PKK; (4) Current Relations Between Türkiye and the KRG; (5) Effects of the 2017 Kurdish Independence Referendum; (6) The Kurds’ Role in Fighting Terrorism and Western Relations; (7) KRG-Baghdad Relations on Oil Exports to Türkiye; (8) Russia’s Relations with the Kurds; (9) Human Rights and Crackdowns on Kurdish Political Parties; (10) The Kurds’ Role in the Syrian Conflict; and (11) Future Political Goals.
The official website:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Australia - China Relations - Philipp Ivanov | 2024 Episode 27
In this insightful interview with Philipp Ivanov, we explore the evolving dynamics of Australia-China relations amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. The conversation covers key topics such as Australia’s security strategies, the impact of alliances like AUKUS and the Quad, and the role of the Belt and Road Initiative. With Ivanov’s expertise in public policy and China, this discussion offers a nuanced perspective on trade, education, and energy ties shaping the Indo-Pacific region.
Philipp Ivanov is a public policy leader and China specialist. With extensive executive experience in government, universities and think-tanks in Australia, United States, China, Asia and Russia. He’s the Founder of Geopolitical Risks and Strategy Practice (GRASP) and a Visiting Scholar, Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.
Content: (1) Current Diplomatic Landscape: Australia and China; (2) Domestic Consensus: Australia’s Internal Views on China; (3) Shifting Alliances: The Impact of Quad and AUKUS on Australia’s Strategy; (4) China’s Perspective: Reactions to Australia’s Security Partnerships; (5) The Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for China-Australia Relations; (6) Australia’s Strategic Response to the Belt and Road Initiative; (7) The U.S. Factor: American Influence on Australia-China Relations; (8) Trade Dynamics: Australia’s Economic Dependence on China; (9) Education and Espionage: Chinese Influence in Australian Academia; (10) Multilateral vs. Bilateral: Australia-China Engagement in the Indo-Pacific; and (11) Energy Ties: The Australia-China Energy Relationship.
Official Website:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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