The Dean of Shandong: Confessions of a Minor Bureaucrat at a Chinese University

The Dean of Shandong, by Daniel Bell, provides an inside account of Chinese academia and what it reveals about China's political system. Bell, a foreign dean, encountered challenges such as hair color, drinking culture, and censorship. He predicts that Chinas political future will be determined by Confucianism and Communism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

On January 1, 2017, Daniel Bell was appointed dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, marking a significant milestone in the history of Chinese academia. As the first foreign dean of a political science faculty in mainland China, Bell's appointment offered a unique perspective on the workings of Chinese academia and its relationship with the country's political system.

In his book, "The Dean of Shandong," Bell chronicles his experiences as a "minor bureaucrat" within the academic realm. He provides an insightful account of the challenges and complexities he encountered during his tenure, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of Chinese academia and its impact on China's political landscape.

Despite the occasional mishaps and misunderstandings, Bell's post as dean provides a valuable vantage point on China today. His observations on various aspects of Chinese society, such as the importance of hair color and the prevalence of hair-dyeing among university administrators, the drinking culture, and the unintended consequences of an intensely competitive academic meritocracy, shed light on the unique cultural and social dynamics of the country.

Bell's book also delves into more weighty matters, including the role of the Party secretary at the university, the national anticorruption campaign, and its effects on academia. He raises provocative questions about corruption and its impact on society, challenging the prevailing narratives and raising important ethical dilemmas.

Furthermore, Bell explores the formal and informal modes of censorship that exist in Chinese academia, highlighting the challenges faced by researchers and scholars in navigating the complex web of regulations and restrictions.

Considering both the revival of Confucianism in China over the last three decades and the "Communist comeback" since 2008, Bell predicts that Chinas political future will be shaped by a combination of Confucianism and Communism. He argues that these two ideologies will continue to influence Chinese society and politics, shaping the country's development and direction in the years to come.

"The Dean of Shandong" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between Chinese academia, politics, and society. Bell's experiences and observations provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of China and its rapidly evolving political landscape.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691247120