China began opening to the outside world in 1978. This process was designed to remain under the state's control. But the relative value of goods and services inside and outside China drove cities, enterprises, local governments, and individuals...
Focusing on China's rural reforms, this analysis connects local experiences with national policies, highlighting the tensions between state directives, local authority, and peasant aspirations for economic growth. It delves into key issues such as the responsibility system, privatization, changing property rights, and the effects of globalization. Additionally, the book addresses social conflicts, cadre corruption, and urban-rural relations, culminating in a concluding chapter that examines ongoing and future challenges in rural China.
The book explores the dynamics of radical leaders within the Chinese Communist Party during and after the Cultural Revolution, highlighting their minority status and opposition to moderate forces. David Zweig details how these radicals employed unconventional strategies, such as leveraging media and political networks, to promote their collectivist agendas. However, he reveals that Chinese peasants largely remained indifferent to Maoist ideology, responding pragmatically to policy changes based on personal and collective interests, while retaining their conservative values and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rural Restructuring in the Reform Era: Rural Restructuring in the Reform Era
The book offers an in-depth examination of China's rural reforms, highlighting the interplay between state policies, local power dynamics, and peasant aspirations for economic advancement. It covers critical issues such as the responsibility system, privatization, social conflict, and urban-rural relations, while addressing the effects of globalization. The introduction connects overarching themes, and the conclusion discusses ongoing and future challenges facing rural China, providing a comprehensive view of the reform landscape.
American Schools, the Virus, and a Story of Bad Decisions
The book critically examines the decision-making processes of American public health, media, and political institutions regarding pandemic school closures. It highlights the consequences of these decisions on education and society, questioning the effectiveness and motivations behind the policies implemented during the crisis. Through a detailed analysis, it aims to shed light on the failures and challenges faced by these establishments in responding to the pandemic's impact on schools.
The Politics of Technology and Knowledge in Sino-U.S. Relations
The narrative explores the conflict between China and the United States over technology and scientific expertise, highlighting how this rivalry has hindered collaboration between the two nations. It delves into the consequences of this competition, particularly the return of leading Chinese scientists to China, which has significant implications for both countries' scientific landscapes.
What do fact-checkers, anesthesiologists, U.N. interpreters, and structural engineers have in common? For most of us, the better we perform the more attention we receive. Yet for many "Invisibles"-skilled professionals whose role is critical to whatever enterprise they're a part of-it's the opposite: the better they do their jobs the more they disappear. In fact, often it's only when something goes wrong that they are noticed at all. Millions of Invisibles are hidden in every industry. And despite our culture's increasing celebration of fame in our era of superstar CEOs and assorted varieties of "genius," they're fine with remaining anonymous. David Zweig interviews top experts in unusual fields to reveal the quiet workers behind public successes. Combining in-depth profiles with insights from psychology, sociology, and business, Zweig uncovers how these hidden professionals reap deep fulfillment by relishing the challenges their work presents.