[ { THE LOGIC AND LIMITS OF POLITICAL REFORM IN CHINA } ] by Fewsmith, Joseph (AUTHOR) Jan-01-2013 [ Hardcover ]

by Joseph Fewsmith

In the 1990s China embarked on a series of political reforms intended to increase, however modestly, political participation to reduce the abuse of power by local officials. Although there was initial progress, these reforms have largely stalled and, in many cases, gone backward. If there were sufficient incentives to inaugurate reform, why wasn't there enough momentum to continue and deepen them? This book approaches this question by looking at a number of promising reforms, understanding the incentives of officials at different levels, and the way the Chinese Communist Party operates at the local level. The short answer is that the sort of reforms necessary to make local officials more responsible to the citizens they govern cut too deeply into the organizational structure of the party.

Genres: China, Politics, Asia

Hardcover

First published December 31, 2012

Reviews

[Yifei Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to understand recent "democratic" reforms in China! It might be difficult to understand why it is so difficult for reforms to last if you are not familiar with the Chinese history and culture. China, in the course of 5000-year of feudalism, has always been "undemocratic". Capable government officials were praised for their ability to get things done, maintain stability and improve economic growth, which usually implemented through coercion and violence. It is out of the idea that to achieve the greater goal, the sacrifice of the welfare of some people is necessary (I am not justifying this way of thinking). It is still the mindset of some "conservative" government officials like Qiu He as mentioned in the book. The book correctly concluded the main obstacle for reforms is the conflict between increasing democratic participation and the party's control. The local cadres don't want to lose their power, while the high-level government officials are not willing to lose control of the direction of China's future. However, the increasing tension between local people and local cadres shows the necessity of reforms. I wonder whether there is a follow-up of this book after 2013 (the book covers the reforms in 1990s to 2012). I am very interested in the analysis for Xi administration.

[Sigrid-marianella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book which illustrates the various forms of township/village level democracy that arise in China and explains the barriers preventing the various democratic models from being institutionalised. Highly recommend it to anyone whith an interest in Chinese domestic politics.

[Mills College Library]

320.951 F432 2013