State Governance Logic and Traditional Legal Culture: An Analysis of "Fengqiao Experience"

This paper explores the "Fengqiao Experience" as a dynamic governance model that exemplifies the integration of traditional Chinese legal culture into contemporary political strategies. Originating during the socialist education campaign of the 1960s, the "Fengqiao Experience" has evolved from a mass mobilization practice into a cornerstone of grassroots governance in China. This study argues that the enduring political utility of the Fengqiao model lies in its capacity to operationalize the Confucian ideal of harmony and the historical legal tradition of "resolving disputes without escalation." Through a historical-institutionalist lens, the paper demonstrates how traditional concepts—such as moral mediation, soft law, and community self-governance—have been selectively institutionalized to enhance social control, legitimize state authority, and adapt to the challenges of modern governance. The analysis also situates the "Fengqiao Experience" within China’s broader authoritarian responsiveness framework, highlighting its role in mediating the relationship between formal legal structures and informal social norms. In doing so, this study contributes to the understanding of how cultural legacies are repurposed as governance technologies in authoritarian regimes.