State Capacity Building in Contemporary China

This volume explores the Chinese Communist Party's governing mechanism in the context of state capacity building, focusing on Xi Jinping's centralization of power under the party. It examines the CCP's relations with various state organs, including administrative, legislative, judicial, military, and state-owned enterprises, using authentic datasets and materials. The volume aims to make China a more comparable case in comparative politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 123 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive volume delves into the governing mechanism employed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the context of state capacity building. It posits that, regardless of regime type, enhancing state capacity and effectively utilizing it for political survival is of paramount importance for any political leader. Xi Jinping, who is no exception to this, has emphasized the need to expand state capacity while striving to centralize power within the party. This volume stands out as it provides a holistic perspective of the Chinese party-state, particularly under Xi Jinping's leadership. The research presented herein is grounded in rigorous analysis of authentic datasets and materials. It explores the intricate relationships between the CCP and various state organs within the Chinese political system, including the administrative, legislative, judicial, military, and state-owned enterprises. This volume endeavors to bring China into the realm of comparative politics, making it a more comparable case study.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been a dominant force in Chinese politics for over seven decades. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the party has embarked on a comprehensive program to strengthen its state capacity and consolidate power. This volume explores the various mechanisms employed by the CCP to achieve these goals, including the centralization of power, the promotion of party discipline, the development of state-owned enterprises, and the expansion of the military.

One of the key strategies employed by the CCP is the centralization of power. The party has sought to consolidate power in the hands of the party leadership, eliminating rival factions and consolidating control over state institutions. This has been achieved through a combination of political purges, the promotion of loyalists, and the establishment of a hierarchical system of governance.

The promotion of party discipline is another important aspect of state capacity building. The CCP has sought to create a disciplined and loyal cadre of party members who are willing to follow the party's line. This has been achieved through a combination of ideological education, loyalty tests, and the establishment of a surveillance system that monitors the activities of party members.

State-owned enterprises have also played a significant role in state capacity building. These enterprises are controlled by the state and are used to promote the party's agenda and consolidate power. The CCP has sought to expand the role of state-owned enterprises in the economy, particularly in key sectors such as infrastructure and energy.

The expansion of the military has also been a key component of state capacity building. The CCP has sought to modernize the Chinese military and increase its capabilities to defend the country's interests. This has been achieved through a combination of military reforms, the purchase of advanced weapons systems, and the recruitment of more personnel.

Overall, this volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the governing mechanism employed by the Chinese Communist Party in the context of state capacity building. It highlights the party's efforts to centralize power, promote party discipline, develop state-owned enterprises, and expand the military. The volume also explores the challenges and risks associated with these strategies, including the potential for political instability and the erosion of civil liberties.

Weight: 215g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811389009
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020