Abstract: Leo Strauss has occupied the focal point of Sinophone circles of political philosophy for over a decade. His critique of modernity and effort to resuscitate classical political philosophy has attracted heated discussions. Strauss labels his political philosophy as both “Socratic” and “Platonic.” However, what Socrates and Plato have opened up are two opposite directions in political philosophy. Strauss’s subtle oscillation between these two directions is a case worthy of deep analysis. By virtue of such analysis, we are able to further trace the inner lineage from ancient Greek political philosophy to contemporary continental radical political philosophy.