Politics in China

More about the book

On October 1, 2009, the People's Republic of China celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking a period of significant transformation. Under the Chinese Communist Party's leadership, China evolved from one of the world's poorest nations to its fastest-growing major economy, emerging as a rising power challenging U.S. global influence. However, this journey was marred by the deadliest famine in history, largely due to political mismanagement, and a near-collapse of government authority that led to civil unrest. Today, China is largely peaceful, prosperous, and proud, as showcased during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The CCP retains power through popular support stemming from rapid economic growth, coupled with strict repression of dissent. Despite this stability, the party faces serious challenges, including a slowing economy, environmental degradation, widespread corruption, stark inequalities, and increasing social protests. The book provides an authoritative introduction to how this populous nation is governed, offering insights from leading scholars on China's political history from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. It covers key contemporary political topics and developments in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.