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Assessing the Balance of Power in Central-Local Relations in China

John Donaldson editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:4th Jul '16

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Assessing the Balance of Power in Central-Local Relations in China cover

How do we understand the evolution of central-local relations in China during the reform period? This book addresses this question by focusing on eight separate issues in which the central-local relationship has been especially salient – government finance, investment control, regional development, administrative zoning, implementation, culture, social welfare and international relations. Each chapter introduces a sector and the way the center and various local governments have shared or divided power over the different periods of China’s reform era. The balance of power is gauged dynamically over time to measure the extent to which one level of government dominates, influences or shares power in making decisions in each of these particular domains, as well as what is likely to occur in the foreseeable future. The authors assess the winners and losers of these changes among key actors in China’s society. The result provides a dynamic view of China’s changing power relations.

"an informative book on the varied aspects of the relations between the local and central level with the interesting finding that the trend in recent years.is more into decentralization on the economical field while recentralization is taking place on the social field."

Jan Jonckheere, Chinasquare

"this book opens new venues for studies of central-local relations in China, compiling arguments that used to be separated and offering a solid base on which to draw further research. It should be a starting point for anyone seeking to understand the consequences of decentralisation and re-centralisation in post-1978 China."

Camille Boullenois, China Perspectives


"an informative book on the varied aspects of the relations between the local and central level with the interesting finding that the trend in recent years.is more into decentralization on the economical field while recentralization is taking place on the social field."

Jan Jonckheere, Chinasquare

"this book opens new venues for studies of central-local relations in China, compiling arguments that used to be separated and offering a solid base on which to draw further research. It should be a starting point for anyone seeking to understand the consequences of decentralisation and re-centralisation in post-1978 China."

Camille Boullenois, China Perspectives

ISBN: 9781138672079

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 476g

234 pages