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This book analyzes in detail differing interpretations of the rule of law in Western legal systems and in the People´s Republic of China. As the rule of law is seen by many as a prerequisite for China´s future development, politicians, activists and entrepreneurs from China and from the West alike have long been calling for adherence to this principle, which is constitutive of Western democracies. All these groups use the same words, but do they truly share the same idea?

In order to address this question, the book compares the "Rule of Law with Chinese characteristics," as propagated by Chinese leaders and in official Chinese publications, to different applications of the rule of law as it is understood in Western civilization. In particular, the author takes a closer look at the implementations of recognized core elements of the rule of law in representative Western countries, which include the separation of power, the supremacy of law, the protection of fundamental rights, and the independence of the justice system.

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1. Introduction.- 2. Rule of Law in western civilization.- 3. Rule of Law in China.- 4. Selected Aspects of Rule of Law.- 5. Conclusion.

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"Professor Dr Blasek´s book addresses a concept much used, but not often or well enough elucidated in the field of Chinese law. ... Ultimately the book is eminently worthwhile as a brief tour of a complex and demanding subject. It could be very useful for the practitioner or academic seeking an outline of the field allowing one to focus further work in a structured manner." (Stephanie J. Mitchell, VRÜ Verfassung und Recht in Übersee, Vol. 50 (2), 2017)

"... Das Buch überzeugt vor allem durch seinen übersichtlichen Aufbau und seine klare Gedankenführung ... anschaulichen Erfahrungen aus der chinesischen Rechtspraxis. Das Buch eignet sich daher für eine breitere Leserschaft ... Es ist aufgrund seines lebendigen Stils und seiner klaren Struktur auch hervorragend für Studenten geeignet, die einen ersten Einblick in das Thema erhalten möchten und mit dem chinesischen Recht noch nicht sehr vertraut sind. ... fulminanten Beitrag zur Versachlichung und Differenzierung der Rechtsstaatsdebatte Anerkennung ..." (Madeleine Martinek, in: Zeitschrift für Chinesisches Recht, Jg. 22, Heft 3, 2015)

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