Over the past two decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has paradoxically steered the development of a thriving capitalist economy. Unlike many faltering post-socialist states with fragile economies and weakly institutionalised democratic structures, China has witnessed a tide of economic entrepreneurialism that has raised living standards and the country's global economic stature. However, the strains of rapid economic change and the tensions between an increasingly liberalized economy and the partially reformed institutions of an authoritarian polity have become increasingly severe. Crucial to the success of further economic reform and development, good governance is the greatest challenge faced by the CCP. This groundbreaking book explores the key dimensions of governance in China. These include the prospects for political reform as a new generation of leaders comes to power and China enters the World Trade Organization; the processes of building institutions, such as developing a clean, competent, and meritocracy-based civil service, and improving the legislative framework; enhancing regime legitimacy through the sharing of power at lower levels and promoting citizen participation and voice; and finally the prevention and management of social discontent, with particular reference to worker unrest and the Falun Gong. Drawing on original fieldwork, the international group of authors provides a systematic analysis of the political, institutional, and economic causes underlying China's governance problems and considers the prospects for future social and political change.

About the Author
Jude Howell is professor and director of the Centre for Civil Society, London School of Economics.

Reviews
An excellent set of essays that provides original research findings relating to the issue of governance in contemporary China. -- Anthony Saich, Harvard University
It is a welcome contribution to the limited literature on an important, if neglected, aspect of China's modernization. * International Affairs *
Meticulously researched and minutely detailed volume. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
The book's insights owe much to the conceptual clarity given to it by its editor, as well as to concise chapters nonetheless rich in new empirical findings....The book is a must read for broader groups of readers: journalists and students desiring to learn more about contemporary trends in Chinese politics and society; decision-makers and professionals dealing with China on a regular basis; and citizens around the world interesting in knowing how democritization can proceed at the margins of authoritarianism. * China Information *
The book is a welcome contribution to the existing literature on contemporary China. It will be a useful textbook for teachers examining Chinese society and politics, and the readable style and informative content of most of the essays will also attract a readership among public administrators, NGOs and policy makers. * The China Journal *



Book Information
ISBN 9780742519879
Author Jude Howell
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm