Civil Society under Authoritarianism

'China has become the mega enigma of the global economy. Using a new model of 'consultative authoritarianism', Jessica Teets shows us how Chinese rulers and civil society organizations mutually learn from one another through their interactions, so that domestic institutions become more adaptive and less fragile over time. Teets has given us a new and powerful explanation for the durability of authoritarianism in general, and the dynamism of China in particular, that suggests those holding their breath for Western-style democracy to inevitably emerge in China may remain blue in the face for a long time to come.' Mark Blyth, Brown University
'Professor Jessica Teets has written an important book, with significant theoretical and policy implications. Using case studies undertaken in China and drawing on global comparative literature, Teets argues that there may be a more effective path to achieving good governance than the civil society–regime adversary model adopted by many in the West. Dr Teets calls it 'consultative authoritarianism', a process in which an authoritarian regime and civil society organizations mutually influence one another through a process of learning. Although this thesis is sure to be controversial to some, many adversarial-democracy promotion efforts around the world have reached, to date, illiberal dead ends. Teets begins the new thinking that is required if we are to find a better way to positive, gradual, and constructive change.' David M. Lampton, Hyman Professor and Director of China Studies, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies