Contemporary China

A History since 1978

Zheng, Yongnian (Editor)

Blackwell History of the Contemporary World

1. Edition April 2013
256 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd

ISBN: 978-0-470-65579-5

John Wiley & Sons

Sample Chapter

Further versions

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

"Zheng makes a marvellous attempt at dissecting this
modern anomaly for readers. Summing Up: Highly
recommended. All academic levels/libraries."
(Choice, 1 December 2013)

Contemporary China lives up to its title offering concise
summaries of political, economic, technological, social, and
cultural changes up to the present time. It is perfect either as a
classroom text or as an introduction for general readers - and it
also contains new insights about Party procedures that will
interest specialists. This book is comprehensive, balanced, and
highly recommended.

--Lynn White, Princeton University

This book provides an excellent account of ongoing political and
social changes in the world's most populous and fastest growing
economy. All who are interested in China's global role should read
it; it is invaluable as a text for every student of contemporary
history.

--Wang Gungwu, National University of Singapore

Yongnian Zheng is Professor and Director of East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore. He has authored many books, including The Chinese Communist Party as Organizational Emperor, Will China Become Democratic?, Globalization and State Transformation in China, and Discovering Chinese Nationalism in China. He has also edited and co-edited several volumes, and is a columnist for newspapers in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Y. Zheng, National University of Singapore, Singapore