POWER, POLITICAL LEGITIMACY, AND VIRTUE: A POLITICAL SCIENCE ANALYSIS THROUGH ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relationship between power, political legitimacy, and political virtue through an interpretation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms as a political text. It emphasizes the structural relationship among these three elements within the context of contemporary political dynamics. The study employs qualitative document analysis, clearly defining the scope of investigation based on the Thai translation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Chaophraya Phrakhlang (Hon). It incorporates a systematic literature review and applies an analytical framework grounded in Max Weber’s theory of legitimacy, Confucian political virtues, and Buddhist political thought—particularly the Ten Royal Virtues (Dasavidha-rājadhamma), a central ethical principle in Buddhism.

The findings indicate that Cao Cao represents efficiency-oriented power lacking a moral foundation; Liu Bei embodies moral legitimacy rooted in Confucian virtues, especially ren (benevolence) and yi (righteousness), yet fails to institutionalize such virtue into stable political structures; while Sun Quan exemplifies a balanced configuration of power, legitimacy, and virtue, particularly through the application of Buddhist ethical principles in political decision-making. The article proposes an equilibrium model of power, legitimacy, and virtue to demonstrate the integration of these conceptual frameworks. It argues that the sustainability of political rule does not depend solely on power or virtue alone, but rather on their appropriate coordination. This integrated perspective contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of authority and legitimacy in contemporary political society.