Globalization and State Transformation in China

Globalization has thrown up challenges and opportunities which all countries have to grapple with. In his book, Yongnian Zheng explores how China’s leaders have embraced global capitalism and market-oriented modernization. He shows that with reform measures properly implemented, the nation-state can not only survive globalization, but can actually be revitalized through outside influence. To adapt to the globalized age, Chinese leaders have encouraged individual enterprise and the development of the entrepreneurial class. The state bureaucratic system and other important economic institutions have been restructured to accommodate a globalized market economy. In rebuilding the economic system in this way, Zheng observes that Chinese leaders have been open to the importation of Western ideas. By contrast, the same leaders are reluctant to import Western concepts of democracy and the rule of law. The author argues that, ultimately, this selectivity will impede China’s progress in becoming a modern nation state.

• Accessible and interpretive account of China’s march towards economic liberalisation • Author asks whether development can be truly successful while leaders are reluctant to introduce democratic principles and the rule of law • A book for students of politics, IR, and economics, as well as those interested in Asia and its relationship with the West

1. Globalization: state decline or state rebuilding?; 2. State, leadership and globalization; 3. Globalism, nationalism and selective importation; 4. Power, interests, and the justification of capitalism; 5. Bureaucratic reform and market accommodation, 1982–1998; 6. Building a modern economic state; 7. State rebuilding, popular protest and collective action; 8. Contending visions of the Chinese state; 9. Globalization: towards a rule-based state governance?