Issues in Contemporary Chinese Thought and Culture – serie

China has witnessed great economic, political and societal changes since the reform and opening up in 1978. As China's economic system has been experiencing fundamental changes, China’s structure of governance has also been substantially altered in response to globalization. A unique model of political development is underway in China, which differs considerably from those conceived under both traditional socialist and liberal Western models. Globalization and Changes in China’s Governance, now available in English translation, tackles these issues of global importance through the analytical prowess of one of China’s leading intellectuals. This volume is an essential resource for readers tracking the rapid changes in China’s political and economic systems and for those interested in the work of public intellectuals in the PRC.

This book is a reflection of the discussion and debates on globalization and state autonomy in China. These debates, dated back to early 1990s, witnessed China’s gradual involvement in globalization. Like other developing countries, China faced tremendous pressure when globalization intensified in the 1990s. As it turned out, China arduously made up its mind to embrace globalization, which reached its height when China was finally adopted as a member of the World Trade Organization in 2001.Thus, the articles in this book record the anxiety, concerns, uncertainty and enthusiasm of Chinese scholars in the face of China’s embracing of globalization. In other words, this book presents a unique Chinese perspective on globalization and state autonomy.

With China’s rapid growth over the past several decades, the detrimental effects of industrial growth on the environment have become ever more apparent. In this collection of articles from some of China’s most distinguished political scientist, economist, and environmentalist, we find the emerging debate on environmentalism unfolding as Chinese try to find their own way. At the core of these concerns is a debate on balancing the needs of economic development with responsibilities to the planet, and the degree to which that responsibility applies to China as a developing country. These articles seek to illustrate broader principles for environmental policies and international support, as well as more specific projects in China that have been tested and those that have failed.