Making Meritocracy: Lessons from China and India, from Antiquity to the Present

Societies identify and promote merit through enabling all people to fulfill their potential and ensuring the selection of competent and capable leaders. Scholars, educators, and political and economic elites in China and India have been pondering these challenges for centuries, and Tarun Khanna and Michael Szonyi have gathered over a dozen experts to discuss how the two most populous societies have addressed them historically, philosophically, and in practice. Singapore is home to large Chinese and Indian populations and the most successful meritocracy in recent times, offering rich lessons for both countries and the rest of the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential and selecting competent and capable leaders are critical challenges for any society. These issues have been debated by scholars, educators, and political and economic elites in China and India for centuries, and they continue to be of utmost importance today. In their book, "Making Meritocracy," Tarun Khanna and Michael Szonyi have brought together over a dozen experts from various intellectual disciplines, including political science, history, philosophy, anthropology, economics, and applied mathematics, to explore how the two most populous societies in the world have addressed the issue of building meritocracy historically, philosophically, and in practice. The authors focus on how contemporary policy makers, educators, and private-sector practitioners strive to promote meritocracy in today's world.

Additionally, the book discusses Singapore, which is home to significant Chinese and Indian populations and is considered the most successful meritocracy in recent times. Both China and India look to Singapore for lessons and insights into building a successful meritocracy. While the past, present, and future of meritocracy building in China and India may have distinct local nuances, their shared commitment to prioritizing merit-based advancement offers valuable lessons for both societies and the broader world.

In the current context, where broad-based attacks on the idea of meritocracy are being witnessed in rich countries like the United States, the insights and lessons from China and India's experiences with meritocracy building are particularly relevant. The authors argue that meritocracy is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can help societies enhance their power, influence, and social well-being. By promoting merit-based advancement, societies can create a more equitable and inclusive system that rewards hard work, dedication, and talent.

However, building a meritocracy is not without its challenges. The authors note that meritocracy requires a strong commitment to education, training, and social mobility, as well as a willingness to challenge existing power structures and promote diversity and inclusion. They also emphasize the importance of promoting ethical and responsible leadership, as well as fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

In conclusion, "Making Meritocracy" is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of meritocracy in shaping societies. By bringing together experts from diverse intellectual backgrounds, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how China and India have approached meritocracy building, as well as the lessons that can be learned from their experiences for other societies. The book's insights and recommendations are particularly relevant in the current context of attacks on meritocracy, and it offers a roadmap for building a more equitable and inclusive society that values merit and talent.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197602478