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Jerome Cohen, Champion of Liberal China, Dies at 92
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Jerome Cohen, a pioneering American scholar who spent decades advocating for the rule of law and human rights in China, has died at the age of 92.Cohen remained a steadfast, and frequently enough solitary, voice of liberal optimism regarding China’s future, even as the country underwent significant political and social shifts.
Cohen’s work focused on Chinese law, a field largely unexplored by Western scholars when he began his research in the 1960s. He believed that strengthening the legal system was crucial for protecting individual rights and promoting a more just society in China. He famously argued against the prevailing Cold War view that China was monolithic and unchanging.
early Life and Academic Career
Cohen began studying Chinese in 1949, initially intending to become a missionary. He quickly became fascinated by the language and culture, shifting his focus to academic pursuits. He earned a law degree from Harvard University and a doctorate in Far Eastern studies from Harvard, focusing on Chinese law.
He was among the first Americans to conduct extensive field research in China after the Communist revolution, traveling there in 1964 with a group of law students. He saw a China that others didn’t see, or didn’t want to see,
a colleague noted.
Did You Know?
Jerome Cohen’s early research involved translating and analyzing Chinese legal documents,providing a rare glimpse into the workings of the legal system under Mao Zedong.
Advocacy for Legal Reform
Cohen consistently advocated for legal reforms in China, arguing that a transparent and autonomous judiciary was essential for economic progress and social stability. He frequently criticized the Chinese government’s human rights record, especially its suppression of dissent and lack of due process. He authored numerous books and articles on chinese law, including The Chinese Revolution in Law
(1973), which became a seminal work in the field.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1949 | began studying Chinese |
| 1964 | First research trip to China post-revolution |
| 1973 | Published “The Chinese Revolution in Law” |
| 2023 | Passed away at age 92 |
A Contrarian Voice
As China embraced market reforms and experienced rapid economic growth, Cohen remained critical of its political system. He warned that economic liberalization without political reform could lead to increased corruption and social unrest. He frequently enough found himself at odds with those who believed that engagement with China would inevitably lead to democratization.
Pro Tip: Understanding Cohen’s viewpoint requires recognizing his unwavering belief in the potential for positive change within China, even amidst setbacks.
Despite the increasingly authoritarian turn in China under Xi jinping, Cohen continued to express hope for a more liberal future. He maintained contact with Chinese lawyers and activists, offering them support and encouragement. He believed that the seeds of legal reform had been planted and would eventually bear fruit.
“He never gave up on the idea that China could become a country governed by law,” said a former student.
Cohen’s passing marks the end of an era. He was a unique voice in the study of China, a scholar who combined rigorous academic research with a deep commitment to human rights and the rule of law. His legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in a more just and equitable future for China.
What impact will Cohen’s decades of scholarship have on future China studies?
How might Cohen’s optimistic outlook be viewed in light of China’s current political climate?
Background and trends in China’s Legal System
China’s legal system has undergone significant changes since the Communist revolution. Initially, the legal system was largely subordinate to the Communist Party
