China's Trapped Transition: The Limits of Developmental Autocracy - Brossura

Pei, Minxin

Brossura

ISBN 10: 067402754X ISBN 13: 9780674027541

Casa editrice: Harvard Univ Pr, 2008

Riassunto

The rise of China as a great power is one of the most important developments in the twenty-first century. But despite dramatic economic progress, China’s prospects remain uncertain. In a book sure to provoke debate, Minxin Pei examines the sustainability of the Chinese Communist Party’s reform strategy—pursuing pro-market economic policies under one-party rule.

Pei casts doubt on three central explanations for why China’s strategy works: sustained economic development will lead to political liberalization and democratization; gradualist economic transition is a strategy superior to the “shock therapy” prescribed for the former Soviet Union; and a neo-authoritarian developmental state is essential to economic take-off. Pei argues that because the Communist Party must retain significant economic control to ensure its political survival, gradualism will ultimately fail.

The lack of democratic reforms in China has led to pervasive corruption and a breakdown in political accountability. What has emerged is a decentralized predatory state in which local party bosses have effectively privatized the state’s authority. Collusive corruption is widespread and governance is deteriorating. Instead of evolving toward a full market economy, China is trapped in partial economic and political reforms.

Combining powerful insights with empirical research, China’s Trapped Transition offers a provocative assessment of China’s future as a great power.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

"Pei argues, persuasively, that China's gradualism, often favourably contrasted with the former Soviet Union's flirtation with radical reforms, is as much a political as an economic strategy." - Martin Wolf, Financial Times "As Pei sees it, big trouble looms [for China]. Continued progress toward a more modern economy will require the establishment of a true rule of law, which in turn will require 'institutional curbs' on governmental action. These two limitations on power are incompatible with the party's insistence on dominating society. So long as the current political framework remains in place, then, China is effectively, and perhaps fatally, trapped in its state of transition... [China's Trapped Transition presents a] comprehensive and, I believe, compelling understanding of present-day China." --Gordon G. Chang, Commentary"

"Through seven years old, this analysis of the outlook for China by a leading expert remains highly relevant and convincing as the new leadership takes power and the world waits to see if it will chart a new course." --Jonathan Fenby, The Week, 11/05/2013

L'autore:

Minxin Pei is Senior Associate and Director of the China Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Harvard Univ Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2008
• ISBN 10: 067402754X
• ISBN 13: 9780674027541
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 294