Understanding Chinese Politics: An Introduction to Government in the People's Republic of China

Description

The Chinese political system is the subject of much media and popular comment in part because China supports an economy with an apparently inexorable dynamic and impressive record of achievement. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to China’s political system, outlining the major features of the Chinese model and highlighting its claims and challenges. It explores the central role of the Communist Party in the country’s politics and the way in which the Party controls most elements of the political system. The book also draws parallels with previous historical periods in China’s history. Finally, it addresses the question of what kind of role the People's Republic of China will play in global politics as a whole, the implications for the West and the rebalancing of relations between China and its neighbours. UNDERSTANDING CHINESE POLITICS: AN INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Half Title Page Title Page Copyright Contents List of tables and boxes Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Maps Introduction 1. Chinese politics: the legacy of history 2. The Party-state 3. The state apparatus and centre-local relations 4. Political change and its limits: democratisation with Chinese characteristics 5 The national question in Chinese politics Appendix A: Official ethnic groups 6. Foreign policy Conclusion Bibliography Index