Christian Göbel Book order

Focusing on the recent reforms of neighborhood institutions in urban China, the book explores the state's resurgence in response to social challenges in shequs. It posits that the central government has effectively adapted to these issues by strengthening its role in providing social welfare and enhancing public security. Through a thorough analysis of the strategies and impacts of reorganizing neighborhood committees, the authors illustrate how the state has re-established its presence in urban society since the late 1990s.

The book delves into the rural tax and fee reform in China, termed the "Third Revolution in the Countryside," which aimed to enhance social stability amid rising peasant protests. Through extensive interviews and documentary research, it explores the disparity between the reform's intentions and its actual outcomes, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of intergovernmental relations and the shifting relationship between the state and rural communities. This analysis offers valuable insights for those studying Chinese politics and governance.