Civil-Military Relations in Post-Deng China: From Symbiosis to Quasi-Institutionalization

The book demonstrates that civil-military relations have evolved beyond symbiosis to quasi-institutionalization in post-Deng Xiaoping China, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) playing a significant role in the power struggle of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 298 pages
\n Publication date: 03 October 2021
\n Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore
\n

The evolution of civil-military relations in post-Deng Xiaoping China has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving beyond a mere symbiotic relationship to a quasi-institutionalized framework. This transformation is particularly evident in the context of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), as it is a Leninist party-army that operates within the framework of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Traditionally, it was assumed that the relationship between the CCP and the PLA was characterized by a symbiotic bond, with the PLA primarily serving as a tool for the CCP's domestic politics. It was believed that the PLA's primary role was to participate in the intra-CCP leadership power struggle and to defend the CCP regime against popular rebellions from within Chinese society.

However, this book challenges these conventional assumptions by examining significant changes in the functions of the PLA political commissar system, the extent of the PLA's involvement in the power struggle of the CCP leadership, and the circulation of elites across civil-military institutional boundaries. Through a comprehensive analysis of these factors, the book offers a novel theoretical explanation of civil-military relations in China.

One of the key findings of the book is that the PLA has increasingly become involved in the power struggle of the CCP leadership. This involvement is not limited to the military sphere. Rather, it encompasses a broader range of activities, including political, economic, and social domains. The PLA has not only played a crucial role in consolidating the CCP's hold on power but has also sought to expand its influence beyond the military sphere.

Furthermore, the book highlights the circulation of elites across civil-military institutional boundaries. It suggests that there has been a growing intermingling of military and civilian officials, with the PLA playing a significant role in shaping the policy decisions of the CCP. This intermingling has led to a blurring of the lines between the military and the civilian sectors, creating new challenges and opportunities for both.

The implications of these findings for China's domestic politics and foreign policy are profound. On the domestic front, the book suggests that the PLA's increasing involvement in the power struggle of the CCP leadership has implications for the country's political stability and social order. The PLA's growing influence in the political, economic, and social domains has the potential to further consolidate the CCP's hold on power, which could lead to increased authoritarianism and repression.

On the foreign policy front, the book highlights the potential for conflicts between the PLA and other military forces in the region. As the PLA continues to expand its influence beyond the military sphere. It may become more assertive in its foreign policy objectives, which could lead to tensions with neighboring countries and regional instability.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of civil-military relations in China. It challenges conventional assumptions about the relationship between the CCP and the PLA and provides a new theoretical framework for understanding the complex dynamics of civil-military relations in post-Deng Xiaoping China. The findings of the book have significant implications for China's domestic politics and foreign policy, and it is essential to consider these implications as the country continues to evolve.

\n Weight: 414g\n
Dimension: 150 x 209 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789811564444\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021\n