A Bookstore Milestone: “Treatise on Politics” at Shakespeare & Company, Vienna
- John the Voyager
- Jan 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 30
By Xiangyu Wu, MBA BSc
After a year of research, writing, and refining Treatise on Politics, I am thrilled to share a major milestone: my book is now on the shelves of Shakespeare & Company in Vienna! This moment is more than just a personal achievement—it is a testament to the power of political inquiry, rigorous reasoning, and the pursuit of better governance.
For those unfamiliar, Shakespeare & Company is a historic bookstore known for its curated selection of political, philosophical, and literary works. To have my book included in their collection is both an honor and a step toward bringing my political theories to a broader audience.
For fellow writers passionate about political philosophy or governance, I welcome discussions on your own writing journey. Maybe I can help with your first book. But first, let’s explore what Treatise on Politics is about and why I wrote it.
What is Treatise on Politics About?
A Meditation on Political Systems in the 21st Century
Treatise on Politics is a bold exploration of political systems, governance models, and the philosophical foundations that shape our world. It is an attempt to synthesize Eastern and Western political thought to create a pragmatic and consequentialist framework for governance—one that is neither bound by ideological dogma nor limited to conventional democratic or authoritarian structures.
I challenge fundamental assumptions about democracy, authoritarianism, and governance efficiency. My aim is not to propose a utopian theory but to build a rational, adaptable system that maximizes social welfare while minimizing governance failures.
Key Themes and Takeaways from Treatise on Politics
1. Pragmatic Consequentialism: The Foundation of Good Governance
A central thesis of the book is the principle of pragmatic consequentialism—the idea that governance should be judged by its outcomes, not by its intentions. Many political theories focus on ideological purity—whether a government is democratic, socialist, or authoritarian—rather than evaluating whether its policies actually work.
A key passage from the book states:
“It is easy to state that my nation is just and to go on to unjust wars against others, but it is very hard indeed to state that my nation is imperfect and to think thrice before one intervenes on the turf of another civilization, considering all the potential consequences that may arise.”
This principle demands that leaders make decisions based on measurable results rather than ideological allegiance. Whether a policy is enacted by a democracy or an authoritarian state is irrelevant—what matters is whether it improves people’s lives.
2. Beyond the Democracy vs. Authoritarianism Dichotomy
Much of the book critiques the false binary between democracy and authoritarianism. Instead of blindly accepting one system as superior, we should assess the outcomes of each.
Consider the contrasting examples of:
• Singapore, a semi-authoritarian but highly effective state that prioritizes meritocratic governance.
• China, which has evolved beyond traditional authoritarianism into what I call “catallocracy” - a system that selects leaders based on competence rather than populism.
One of the most controversial ideas in the book is the rejection of the assumption that democracy is always superior:
“A democratic government is often or more likely free and tolerant towards its own inhabitants but hostile and despotic to other nations, especially if they do not conform to the same value system spectrum.”
Democratic states often claim moral superiority while waging wars and interfering in other countries’ affairs. Meanwhile, authoritarian states that are often vilified may, in practice, govern more effectively and peacefully. The book provides detailed case studies on China, the U.S., and European governance models to demonstrate this point.
3. The Relativistic Prime Directive: A New Global Policy Framework
Inspired by science fiction’s Prime Directive—which prohibits interference in the development of alien civilizations—I propose a Relativistic Prime Directive for human governance.
This principle states that no state should impose its political system onto another unless clear ethical and pragmatic criteria are met. It challenges the interventionist policies of many Western democracies, which have historically tried to “spread democracy” through military intervention, economic sanctions, or covert operations.
A passage from the book elaborates:
“One should severely guard oneself against any nation claiming its value system spectrum is superior to another nation’s. Each country has its own right to choose its value system spectrum, and each should be considered equal.”
By implementing this principle, the world could reduce conflicts caused by ideological imposition and instead focus on mutual respect and cooperation.
4. The United Federation: A New Model for Global Governance
In the book’s later chapters, I propose an entirely new global governance model—the United Federation (UF). This is a post-democratic, post-authoritarian hybrid system that incorporates the strengths of both models while mitigating their weaknesses.
Some key aspects of the United Federation include:
• Eligibility-based voting: Citizens must pass a political competence exam to vote, ensuring informed decision-making rather than mass populism.
• Leader Selection via Competence: Candidates must pass rigorous examinations on governance, policy knowledge, and ethics before being allowed to run for office.
• No Political Parties: Governance should be meritocratic, not determined by party loyalty.
• Use of AI in Governance: Artificial intelligence should play a role in monitoring leaders’ performance and proposing policy solutions based on data rather than emotions.
This radical new system is designed to replace both flawed democracies and inefficient authoritarian states with a scientifically optimized governance model.
Final Thoughts: Why This Book Matters Now
The world is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional governance models are failing in the face of:
• Economic inequality
• Geopolitical instability
• Technological disruption
• Climate change
Treatise on Politics is an attempt to rethink governance from first principles. Rather than clinging to outdated models, we must embrace innovation, rationality, and pragmatism in how we structure societies.
Now that my book is on the shelves of Shakespeare & Company in Vienna, I invite you to join this conversation. Let’s question our assumptions about governance and work toward a better political future.
If you’re interested in writing your own book on politics or philosophy, feel free to reach out—I would be happy to discuss your ideas and help guide you in the process.
Get Your Copy
If you are in Vienna, visit Shakespeare & Company to grab a copy of Treatise on Politics. You can also find it online through major retailers.
Let’s start a new political discourse—one based on reason, results, and responsibility.
Where to Find the Book:
Shakespeare & Company, Vienna
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