Research

Publication

“Locke and the Problem of Liberalism” (Perspectives on Political Science, 2025, 54:4, 248-257.)

Locke scholarship neglects the significance of Two Tracts on Government in Locke’s liberalism. Instead, I argue that Locke has laid the rational and realistic foundation of liberalism in Two Tracts on Government. I define Locke’s liberalism as a political doctrine of achieving the end of public security through individual freedom and equality. Although Locke argues for secular absolute state in Two Tracts on Government, it has a liberal core by establishing public security on individual freedom and equality. The tension between public security and individual freedom, however, is the inherent problem of liberalism. Based on the rational and realistic foundation of liberalism, Locke always prefers public security to individual freedom when they are in conflict. 

Working Paper

“Bridging Liberalism and Confucianism: Locke as a Global and Comparative Political Theorist"

I argue that Locke is a pioneer of global and comparative political theory, and that his reflections on China play a significant role in shaping his political thought. At first glance, it may seem surprising that Locke’s engagement with China contributed to the development of Western liberalism. Precisely because of this unlikely influence, many scholars have overlooked China’s role in Locke’s liberalism. In this paper, I examine Locke’s discussions of China across both his published works and manuscripts. For Locke, China represents a model of secular rationalism: a secular, rational, civilized, tolerant, and industrious society. He further interprets Confucianism as both the civil religion and the law of reputation in China, fostering civility, toleration, and political stability. Recovering China’s essential place in Locke’s political theory not only enriches our understanding of liberalism’s global and comparative dimensions but also highlights the cross-cultural dialogue between Confucianism and liberalism.