A study of the "local militias" (xiangbing) system in the Song dynasty = 宋代鄉兵制度研究

Abstract

The local militia constituted a significant part of the Song military, yet their non-regular status led to long-term academic neglect compared to the Imperial Guards and Regional Armies. This article examines the evolution of the Song-era local militia, focusing on the transition of Northern Song institutions like Qiangzhuang, Yiyong, and Baojia, while clarifying the origins of Archers and Fanbing. It further highlights two key Southern Song characteristics: the formalization of local militia into regular military structures and their autonomous establishment by prefectures and counties.On this basis, further research is conducted on the political nature of local militia, such as the process of central decision-making and daily management, the management and control of local administration, and the promotion mechanism of local militia soldiers. And the economic nature of the local militia, such as their financial expenditures, archers stationed in fields, and rural soldiers stationed in fields. This article also studies the relationship between the local militia and society, such as the views of public opinion on the local militia, the influence of regional environment on the quality of the local militia, and the role of traditional rural communities in the formation of the local militia. Additionally, it evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the local militia of the Song dynasty through the lens of modern military service theory.