Rethinking Think Tanks in Contemporary China

"While their close relationship with the political system places real constraints on what Chinese think tanks can (and cannot) do, this book shows how this does not totally stifle freedom, and that think tank researchers do have the ability to influence policy making at some times and on some issue areas. The result is a more complex relationship between power and ideational innovation in a one party state than might appear at first sight." (Shaun Breslin, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick, UK) "This book reveals the diversity and complexity of the think tanks in Contemporary China. Silvia Menegazzi's fresh analysis is the best guide I have seen on the subject. For those who want to understand the China's think tanks, this book is a must read!" (Guosheng Deng, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, China)

This book analyzes how Chinese think tanks have become essential actors in today’s Chinese foreign policy and diplomatic practices.This book analyzes how Chinese think tanks have become essential actors in today’s Chinese foreign policy and diplomatic practices. By providing an in-depth analysis of their roles, functions and transformation in the last decade, this study explains how they differ from their Western counterparts and how they have developed during Hu Jintao’s and Xi Jinping’s mandates. Think tanks are often thought to only be able to gain access to political processes within democratic contexts. This book suggests that even in the more ambiguous Chinese political environment, think tanks remain essential actors where ideas, discourses and beliefs about foreign policy and diplomacy are generated, framed and discussed vis-à-vis China’s ascent role in international affairs and global governance.