Deadly Decision in Beijing

‘A stunning, meticulously researched, brilliant analysis. Yang Su’s book forces us to re-evaluate everything we thought we knew about the Tiananmen Square movement and its violent repression. The analysis also reminds us of how much we miss when we lack access to information about elite decision making processes and how those processes may shape trajectories of social movements. While activists think strategically about how elite opponents’ vulnerabilities open up opportunities for action, their elite opponents may be thinking strategically about how they can use movements to position themselves in elite power struggles. Elegantly written and perfectly suited for undergraduate or graduate courses related to social movements, revolution, politics, and power.’ Rory McVeigh, Notre Dame University
‘a lively narrative’ Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs
’[A] terrific book - one that is likely to be read, discussed, and cited for some time to come.’ George Lawson, American Journal of Sociology
‘This book will be of interest to scholars of China and, more generally, to those curious about authoritarian rule in the modern era. … Recommended.’ Q. E. Wang, Choice
‘For a long time, there has been a division between area studies and disciplinary knowledge in the China field. Su’s work demonstrates that this division is unnecessary and unproductive. Like his first book, “Deadly Decision in Beijing” represents a new wave of theory-informed China studies. It not only tells a nuanced story of a crucial episode in modern Chinese history but also contributes fresh insights to social science theories: elite politics, social movements, and historical sociology. Su’s scholarship sets a standard for all sociologists studying China.’ Yang Zhang, Pacific Affairs
‘A must read for anyone interested not only in the Tiananmen democracy movement and the subsequent massacre but also in the future of China’s political system and state-society relationship.’ Jean-Pierre Cabestan, China Perspectives

Yang Su is Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine and a scholar of social movements, revolution, and political violence. His book Collective Killings in Rural China during the Cultural Revolution (2011) was a winner of the Barrington Moore Book Award and an Honourable Mention of the Charles Tilly Book Award of the American Sociological Association.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.