China's Political System: Modernization and Tradition

by June Teufel Dreyer

This highly respected text demonstrates how the government of China ,the world's most populous nation, has been significantly affected by attempts to harmonize the unique nature of its indigenous culture with a variety of influences and ideas from the outside world.

Genres: Politics, China, Nonfiction, Academic

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2014

Reviews

[Conor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazed that a book of this scope and density can get away with citing absolutely zero sources. Presents a good overview of China’s political system, but there are so many narrative examples that could have been made up — who can tell when they are not referenced to any source? And each section is a bit dense/obtuse in terms of its discussion of themes. I don’t think this is a great book to use to gain an foundational understanding of China’s political systems, which is what I intended the book for.

[Nir Haramati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, if a bit long winded. Recommended as entry, wide-scope look at China in the 20th century.

[Doniyor Odilov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, but sometimes it misses the bigger picture and just goes into paragraphs of description without any analysis. Not sure how to describe this feeling.

[Macario]

After reading the first four chapters, I have found this book to be very insightful and interesting. A textbook should be insightful but I don't always find the majority of textbooks to be interesting. I will have to reserve further judgment until a later date. Update: This was one of the most interesting books I have utilized in a college class.

[Aaron Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you seriously want to gain a clear understanding of China's socio-political history, pick up the newest edition of this book and dive in! seriously, it took me a few weeks to work through it, but cover to cover this was a terrific read and invaluable reference.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually have the Fourth Edition.

Very technical read but a good introductory guide to opaque world of the Chinese central government.

[Jon-David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable analysis of China's history and current political system.