Contemporary China

Using new research and considering a multidisciplinary set of factors, Contemporary China offers a comprehensive exploration of the making of contemporary China.  Provides a unique perspective on China, incorporating newly published materials from within and outside China, in English and Chinese.  Discusses both the societal and economic aspects of China’s development, and how these factors have affected Chinese elite politics Includes coverage of recent political scandals such as the dismissal of Bo Xilai and the intrigue surrounding the 18th National Congress elections in late 2012 Discusses the reasons for—and ramifications of—the gap that exists between western perceptions of China and China itself

List of Figures and Tables vii Series Editor’s Preface ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xvii 1 The Maoist Legacy 1 2 Elite Politics 21 3 Economic Reform 43 4 Globalization 63 5 Civil Society 83 6 Social Discontent 101 7 Cultural Changes 121 8 De Facto Federalism 139 9 Social Policy Reform 161 10 Bureaucracy and Governance 181 11 Democratization 195 Selected Bibliography 215 Index 229