1st Edition

China's Economic Development and Democratization

By Yanlai Wang Copyright 2003
    268 Pages
    by Routledge

    272 Pages
    by Routledge

    China's Economic Development and Democratization examines China's transformation from an institutional perspective. It proposes an analytical framework comprising six macro institutional environments: international, ideological, political, economic, constitutional, and civil-social, to analyze the Chinese transition. Through an institutional analysis of the ruling elite’s policy institutionalization, it tries to answer three main questions: Will China’s economic reforms lead to a meaningful political reform? Will economic freedom lead to political freedom? Will economic development lead to political democratization? The major findings from the institutional analysis of the dynamic interactions between political actors and institutions suggest that China is moving closer towards democracy. Students and scholars who are studying or conducting researches on the Chinese economy, society or politics will find this book of particular interest.

    Contents: Part I: Understanding the Chinese Transition: Introduction; Towards an institutional analytic framework. Part II: Transition From Mao Zedong To Deng Xiaoping: Legacies of Mao Zedong: constraints and opportunities; Transformation of the ideological environment and Deng Xiaoping's rise. Part III: Policy Institutionalization In The Post-Mao Era: Institutionalization of agricultural reform and open-door policy; Restoration of private enterprises and property rights. Part IV: Changes in the Mass Public Orientations: Mass public orientations and implications for policy institutionalization. Part V: Prospects For A Democratic Transition: Conclusion; Bibliography; Documents and reports; Index.

    Biography

    Yanlai Wang is an Associate Researcher for the Euro-Asia Center at the University of Limerick, Ireland.

    '...This is a timely study and valuable contribution to our knowledge, indispensable for both Western scholarly audiences and government policymakers concerned with China's growing role as a global economic player and participant in international affairs.' Dr Robert Taylor, University of Sheffield, UK 'This is a highly commendable work. Using empirical instruments and presenting a thorough analysis, Dr Wang's book is indispensable for anyone eager to understand how economic change in China can lead to democratization.' Dr Bernadette Andreosso-O'Callaghan, University of Limerick, Ireland 'A stimulating and provocative book that will be of interest to scholars and practitioners concerned with the question of whether economic development and reform in China will lead to political change and democratisation.' Professor Nicholas Rees, University of Limerick, Ireland. '...reasonable coverage of post-1978 economic policies set against their historical background, and an assessment of their likely impact on the possibility of democracy emerging in China.' The China Journal 'The author's efforts in this volume...are to be commended...the book will interest an interdisciplinary audience...an intriguing discussion for those wondering where the ongoing Chinese reforms might be headed.'' China Review International