Deadly Decision in Beijing: Succession Politics, Protest Repression, and the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre

Yang Su's book, Deadly Decision in Beijing, challenges conventional views of the Tiananmen protests by examining the elite politics that led to the military crackdown and the authoritarian regime's perpetual crisis of leadership transition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Three decades after the events of 1989, a wealth of historical materials has become accessible, shedding new light on the Tiananmen protests. In his detailed account, Yang Su delves into the complex politics that culminated in the military crackdown, challenging the notion that the intervention was a mere response to a revolutionary mobilization. Beneath the surface of political drama, Deadly Decision in Beijing explores the authoritarian regime's ongoing crisis of leadership transition and its profound impact on popular movements.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the crackdown, examining the power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the decisions made by top leaders. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between the military, the party, and the student protesters, highlighting the factors that contributed to the military's decision to intervene.

Yang Su challenges the conventional view that the military intervention was a necessary measure to maintain stability and control. He argues that the crackdown was driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors, including the CCP's fear of losing power, the economic downturn, and the desire to suppress dissent. The book also explores the long-term consequences of the crackdown, including the erosion of democratic norms, the suppression of political opposition, and the impact on the lives of ordinary Chinese citizens.

Deadly Decision in Beijing is a valuable addition to the literature on the Tiananmen protests, providing a nuanced and comprehensive perspective on the events that unfolded in 1989. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Chinese politics and the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009114202