China's Continuous Revolution: The Post-Liberation Epoch 1949-1981

China's Continuous Revolution: The Post-Liberation Epoch 1949-1981 explores the ambitious and transformative era of China's political landscape after the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, examining the ideology of continuous revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat and its profound impact on Chinese politics. It provides a nuanced perspective on China's socio-political evolution during a pivotal era of change, grappling with questions about legitimacy, power dynamics, and the role of ideology in shaping policy and governance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

China's Continuous Revolution: The Post-Liberation Epoch 1949-1981 is a comprehensive exploration of China's political landscape during the post-liberation era, focusing on the ideology of continuous revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat and its profound impact on Chinese politics. The book delves into key elements such as charismatic leadership, mass mobilization, and the restructuring of authority, highlighting the successes, failures, and eventual exhaustion of revolutionary zeal. It provides a nuanced perspective on China's socio-political evolution during a pivotal era of change, grappling with questions about legitimacy, power dynamics, and the role of ideology in shaping policy and governance.

One of the key themes of the book is the contrast between China's revolutionary trajectory and global ideological movements. Dittmer examines the enduring tensions between utopian aspirations and practical governance, highlighting the challenges faced by China in reconciling revolutionary ideals with the realities of modern state-building. The Cultural Revolution, agricultural collectivization, and broader socio-political reforms of the era are analyzed in detail, providing a compelling narrative of a nation's struggle to reconcile revolutionary ideals with the realities of modern state-building.

Scholars, students, and readers interested in China's contemporary history and political development will find this book an invaluable resource. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex and multifaceted nature of revolution and reform in a rapidly transforming society.

The book is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating back to 1949, UC Press has published over 1,000 books that have shaped the intellectual landscape of the world.

In conclusion, China's Continuous Revolution: The Post-Liberation Epoch 1949-1981 is a must-read for anyone interested in China's political history and the complexities of revolution and reform in a rapidly transforming society. Dittmer's meticulously researched volume offers a nuanced perspective on China's socio-political evolution during a pivotal era of change, and provides valuable insights into the enduring tensions between utopian aspirations and practical governance.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520310575