Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 7, 2022

The System of Civil Officials Commanding the Military and Its Effects in the Song Dynasty

(Abstract)

Chen Feng

The system of civil officials commanding the military, first established in the Song, took shape on two basic planks. Having learned the lessons of history, the early Song dynasty strengthened its control over generals and commanders, and beginning in the Zhenzong reign, scholar-officials dominated state administration. The new system, designed to seek stability, was marked by civil officers managing the military; its purpose was to prevent military generals from endangering the state and even turning against the regime. It was a double-edged sword; on the one hand, it reduced the effectiveness of the military and jeopardized the borders; on the other, it helped maintain the stability of the ruling order and of civilian rule, and thus objectively contributed to sustainable social, economic, cultural and educational development. From the perspective of the course of world civilization, this precocious system was similar to those in modern Western countries. As an institutional innovation, it is historically significant.