Genghis Kahn's military and administrative achievements were impressive and have been echoed throughout history. Because of the popular media, if you were to ask one of the main successes of the Mongols, they would undoubtedly answer with “military conquest”. However, because their empire was so vast, the legacy he and his descendants left in the modern administrative world was very important as it contributed to our modern sense of citizenship, government institutions and "public relations". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayTemujin created a pluralistic society with wide-ranging institutions, all aware of how it would be perceived by the outside world. From the beginning, Temujin did not hesitate to ally himself with people different from himself. Weatherford states that, because of the wide range of religions and kinships involved in the union of various Mongol clans under Temujin, “it came close to being a type of modern civic citizenship based on personal choice and commitment.” Throughout his life, Temujin maintained this meritocratic fairness. Whether you were animist, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist, it did not matter if you were faithful to Temujin and behaved admirably. This greatly informs the modern sense of ideal culture. Temujin further codified this concept with his religious freedom bill, which Weatherford calls “probably the first law of its kind anywhere in the world.” Genghis Kahn and his descendants were also effective in creating universalist institutions. No doubt necessitated by the sheer vastness of his empire, Genghis Kahn “created the first international postal system.” This type of administrative skill would continue with his grandson Khubilai, who would go on to create a universal education system that Weatherford notes would not happen in the West for another 500 years. Weatherford goes on to say that “the Mongolian emphasis on free trade, open communication, shared knowledge, secular politics, religious coexistence, international law, and diplomatic immunity” also set in motion other philosophical institutions of the modern world. Perhaps most disturbingly, Genghis Kahn and his descendants were also masters of propaganda, or “public relations,” as they are called with less negative connotations. This has undoubtedly shaped public administrations from the Kahn era until today. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Despite Kahn's unquestionable military prowess and his devoted warriors, Weatherford describes propaganda as becoming Temujin's "weapon of choice" strategy early on. In an effort to prepare his sons for government, Temujin explained to them that "conquering an army is not the same as conquering a nation" and that one must win the hearts and minds of one's constituents to govern effectively. Leaders, nations and corporations today have entire armies of people whose sole function is to shape their respective images.
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