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This systematically revised fourth edition of the leading text on Chinese politics covers the major changes under Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang and their predecessors, and the recent attempts to restore Chinese Communist Party prestige and strengthen the role of the market in economic reforms whilst managing urbanization and addressing corruption.

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The success or failure of China´s development will impact not only its own citizens but also those of the world. China is widely recognized as a global actor on the world stage and no global challenge can be resolved without its participation. Thus, it is important to understand how the country is ruled and what the policy priorities are of the new leadership. Can China move to a more market-based economy, while controlling environmental degradation? Can it integrate hundreds of millions of new migrants into the urban landscape? The tensions between communist and capitalist identities continue to divide society as China searches for a path to modernization.

The People´s Republic is now over sixty-five years old - an appropriate juncture at which to reassess the state of contemporary Chinese politics. In this substantially revised fourth edition and essential guide to the subject, Tony Saich delivers a thorough introduction to all aspects of politics and governance in post-Mao China, taking full account of the changes of the Eighteenth Party Congress and the Twelfth National People´s Congress. Further, the rise of Xi Jinping to power and his policies are examined as are important policy areas such as urbanization and the fight against corruption.

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Preface to the Fourth edition.- Introduction.- 1. Diversity within Unity.- 2. Political History, 1949-2012.- 3. China´s New Leaders and their Challenges, 2012-Present.- 4. The Chinese Communist Party.- 5. The Central Governing Apparatus.- 6. Governance Beyond the Centre.- 7. The Chinese State and Society.- 8. Urbanization and Urban-Rural Relations.- 9. Economic Policy.- 10. Social Policy.- 11. Foreign Policy.- 12. China´s Future Challenges.

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´This book is a must-read introduction to the complex economic and political developments that have led to China´s re-emergence as a global economic power.´ - Niall Duggan, University College Cork, Ireland

Review of previous edition:
´[An] excellent introductory text...insightful, readable, and well-crafted. In style and in substance this is a landmark book that ought to be considered by every teacher looking for an informative and lively way to introduce...Chinese politics.´ - Roy F. Grow, Journal of Asian Studies

Review of previous edition:
´Combining scholarly analysis with personal insights [the author] has produced a lively, readable study of China´s profound - and profoundly painful - transition from Mao to Market.´ - Richard Baum, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

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