Roots of the State

This book examines neighborhood organizations in Beijing and Taipei, exploring their roles in governance and state-society relations in both China and Taiwan.

Focusing on the capital cities of Beijing and Taipei, Roots of the State provides an in-depth analysis of state-sponsored neighborhood organizations in China and Taiwan. This exploration is firmly rooted in comparative scholarship that examines neighborhood organizations, civil society, and the intricate dynamics of state-society relations, particularly within the context of East Asia. Unlike many social science studies that emphasize independent civil society associations, this book highlights the unique role of government-sponsored organizations, often overlooked in traditional analyses.

Benjamin L. Read presents neighborhood associations in these cities as a form of 'administrative grassroots engagement.' These organizations, while state-sponsored, serve as vital links between the government and the local population. They facilitate governance and policing through the establishment of personal relationships, allowing association leaders to act as the state's liaisons. This duality enables them to manage a wide range of government programs, from welfare initiatives to political surveillance, thus blurring the lines between state control and community empowerment.

Roots of the State delves into the complexity of neighborhood associations, revealing how institutions initially designed for control can transform to empower societies, particularly in Taiwan. This book engages with significant questions regarding governance and political participation, offering insights into both authoritarian and democratic regimes, and challenging preconceived notions about the role of state-sponsored organizations in civil society.