The Party and the People: Chinese Politics in the 21st Century

The Chinese Communist Party maintains power by repressing and responding to its people. Bruce Dickson's book "The Party and the People" explores how this paradox has helped the CCP endure for decades, and how this balance has shifted increasingly toward repression under President Xi Jinping. He shows that the party's dual approach lies at the core of its practices, repression when dealing with existential, political threats or challenges to its authority, and responsiveness when confronting localized economic or social unrest.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Since 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has held an unrivaled grip on power within China, weathering economic crises, widespread social unrest, and even violence against its own citizens. However, the party's strategy for maintaining control is far from one-dimensional, encompassing both repressive measures and surprising responsiveness to the public.

In his book, "The Party and the People," Bruce Dickson delves into the complex dynamics of the CCP's rule and explores how this paradox has enabled the party to endure for decades. He raises numerous questions about the CCP's leadership, policy-making process, and approach to protests. Dickson demonstrates that the party employs a dual approach, suppressing existential political threats or challenges to its authority while responding to localized economic or social unrest with remarkable responsiveness.

The book draws on a vast array of sources to shed new light on the relationship between the Chinese state and its citizens, shaping governance in profound ways. It highlights the ways in which the CCP selectively addresses the demands of protesters on certain issues, such as environmental hazards and healthcare, while dealing harshly with others, such as protests in Tibet, Xinjiang, or Hong Kong. Since Xi Jinping's rise to power in 2012, there has been a notable increase in the CCP's reliance on suppression, raising concerns about the future direction of China.

"The Party and the People" is a valuable contribution to understanding the complexities of Chinese politics and governance. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the CCP's strategies for maintaining power and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing China in the years to come.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 134 x 204 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691216973