China′s Trapped Transition: The Limits of Developmental Autocracy - Hardcover

Pei, Minxin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674021959 ISBN 13: 9780674021952

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 2006

Synopsis

The rise of China as a great power is one of the most important developments in the 21st 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 liberalisation and democratisation; 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 decentralised predatory state in which local party bosses have effectively privatised 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.

About this title

About the Author

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674021959
• ISBN 13: 9780674021952
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 254