The Perfect Dictatorship – China in the 21st Century

The Chinese system is like no other known to man, now or in history. This book explains how the system works and where it may be moving. Drawing on Chinese and international sources, on extensive collaboration with Chinese scholars, and on the political science of state analysis, Stein Ringen concludes that under the new leadership of Xi Jinping, the system of government has been transformed into a new regime radically harder and more ideological than the legacy of Deng Xiaoping. China is less strong economically and more dictatorial politically than the world has wanted to believe. By analyzing the leadership of Xi Jinping, the meaning of "socialist market economy," corruption, the party-state apparatus, the reach of the party, the mechanisms of repression, taxation and public services, and state-society relations, The Perfect Dictatorship broadens the field of China studies, as well as the fields of political economy, comparative politics, development, and welfare state studies.

“This is an excellent book which asks important questions about China's future. In a lively and persuasive manner, the author vividly analyzes key data in a comparative and theoretical manner. Far and away the best introduction to how the CCP dictatorship works.”

A new interpretation of the Chinese party-state-shows the advantage that derives from a comparative theorist looking at the Chinese system. -- Tony Saich, Harvard University -- Edward Friedman, University of Wisconsin-Madison There is no lack of scholars and pundits abroad who tell us that dictatorship in China is for the greater good. In a timely and engagingly written book, Stein Ringen systematically demolishes all the components of this claim. -- Frank Dikotter, University of Hong Kong Ringen provides a wealth of information regarding Chinese leadership and policies in a style that doesn't assume prior knowledge, thereby making it accessible to a wide range of readers interested in the region.Library Journal Library Journal Mr. Ringen explodes this favorite propaganda slogan [that Beijing has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty] even further and does so with the fresh eyes he promises. -- Howard W. French Wall Street Journal Essential reading. China Perspectives

Stein Ringen is emeritus professor at the University of Oxford. He brings to this study extensive experience of state analysis in America, Britain, Scandinavia, Europe, and Korea. He is the author, most recently, of Nation of Devils: Democratic Leadership and the Problem of Obedience.

Political Science / China Politics

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