Governance and Politics of China

The success or failure of China's development will impact not only its own citizens but also those of the world. China is widely recognized as a global actor on the world stage and no global challenge can be resolved without its participation. Thus, it is important to understand how the country is ruled and what the policy priorities are of the new leadership. Can China move to a more market-based economy, while controlling environmental degradation? Can it integrate hundreds of millions of new migrants into the urban landscape? The tensions between communist and capitalist identities continue to divide society as China searches for a path to modernization.The People's Republic is now over 65 years old – an appropriate juncture at which to reassess the state of contemporary Chinese politics. In this substantially revised fourth edition and essential guide to the subject, Tony Saich delivers a thorough introduction to all aspects of politics and governance in post-Mao China, taking full account of the changes of the 18th Party Congress and the 12th National People's Congress. Further, the rise of Xi Jinping to power and his policies are examined as are important policy areas such as urbanization and the fight against corruption.

“'This book is a must-read introduction to the complex economic and political developments that have led to China's re-emergence as a global economic power.' - Niall Duggan, University College Cork, Ireland Review of previous edition: '[An] excellent introductory text...insightful, readable, and well-crafted. In style and in substance this is a landmark book that ought to be considered by every teacher looking for an informative and lively way to introduce...Chinese politics.' - Roy F. Grow, Journal of Asian Studies Review of previous edition: 'Combining scholarly analysis with personal insights [the author] has produced a lively, readable study of China's profound - and profoundly painful - transition from Mao to Market.' - Richard Baum, University of California, Los Angeles, USA”

'This book is a must-read introduction to the complex economic and political developments that have led to China's re-emergence as a global economic power.' - Niall Duggan, University College Cork, Ireland 'The strength of Saich's text is his ability to combine personal experience with a sharp analysis of the actors and structures governing Chinese politics. This new edition is his best yet: with substantial coverage of the Xi-Li government and an entirely new chapter on urbanization and rural-urban inequality, this is a crucial introduction to Chinese politics that students will find invaluable.' - Michael Barr, Newcastle University, UK Review of previous edition: '[An] excellent introductory text...insightful, readable, and well-crafted. In style and in substance this is a landmark book that ought to be considered by every teacher looking for an informative and lively way to introduce...Chinese politics.' - Roy F. Grow, Journal of Asian Studies Review of previous edition: 'Combining scholarly analysis with personal insights [the author] has produced a lively, readable study of China's profound - and profoundly painful - transition from Mao to Market.' - Richard Baum, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

Tony Saich is Daewoo Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. He has spent many years in China and visits regularly and runs training programs for senior Chinese government officials. He has published widely on Chinese contemporary history and politics.

The success or failure of China's development will impact not only its own citizens but also those of the world. China is widely recognized as a global actor on the world stage and no global challenge can be resolved without its participation. Thus, it is important to understand how the country is ruled and what the policy priorities are of the new leadership. Can China move to a more market-based economy, while controlling environmental degradation? Can it integrate hundreds of millions of new migrants into the urban landscape? The tensions between communist and capitalist identities continue to divide society as China searches for a path to modernization. The People's Republic is now over sixty-five years old - an appropriate juncture at which to reassess the state of contemporary Chinese politics. In this substantially revised fourth edition and essential guide to the subject, Tony Saich delivers a thorough introduction to all aspects of politics and governance in post-Mao China, taking full account of the changes of the Eighteenth Party Congress and the Twelfth National People's Congress. Further, the rise of Xi Jinping to power and his policies are examined as are important policy areas such as urbanization and the fight against corruption.

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