Civil Society under Authoritarianism: The China Model
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 4th Revised ed., 6/23/2016
EAN 9781316507919, ISBN10: 1316507912
Paperback, 252 pages, 21.7 x 13.8 x 1.3 cm
Language: English
Despite the dominant narrative of the repression of civil society in China, Civil Society under Authoritarianism: The China Model argues that interactions between local officials and civil society facilitate a learning process, whereby each actor learns about the intentions and work processes of the other. Over the past two decades, often facilitated by foreign donors and problems within the general social framework, these interactions generated a process in which officials learned the benefits and disadvantages of civil society. Civil society supports local officials' efforts to provide social services and improve public policies, yet it also engages in protest and other activities that challenge social stability and development. This duality motivates local officials in China to construct a 'social management' system - known as consultative authoritarianism - to encourage the beneficial aspects and discourage the dangerous ones.
Introduction. Civil society in China
better governance under authoritarianism
1. Policy learning in China
constructing consultative authoritarianism
2. Let many civil societies bloom
building consultative authoritarianism in Beijing and Yunnan
3. Converging on consultative authoritarianism
civil society development in Jiangsu and Sichuan
4. Civil society strategies in China
creating opportunities for learning
Conclusion. Illiberal wave
the international diffusion of consultative authoritarianism.