Responsive Authoritarianism in China
Responsive Authoritarianism in China by Christopher Heurlin, published by Cambridge University Press on October 27, 2016, explores the dynamics of policymaking in a repressive dictatorship. This 226-page book examines how protests, particularly those related to land takings and demolitions, can influence government responses and lead to significant policy changes. Heurlin analyzes case studies from the early 2000s, focusing on the interactions between local protests and state institutions, providing insights into the complexities of governance in contemporary China.
Readers will find a detailed exploration of the relationship between grassroots activism and elite politics, as Heurlin traces the journey of local grievances to the National People’s Congress in Beijing. The book highlights the role of the petitioning system in bringing protesters’ concerns to the forefront of the policymaking agenda. By delving into the conflicts between various state bodies, including the State Council and local governments, this work sheds light on the intricate processes that shape political advocacy and civil rights within the context of authoritarian governance.
Official synopsis Publisher
How can protests influence policymaking in a repressive dictatorship? Responsive Authoritarianism in China sheds light on this important question through case studies of land takings and demolitions – two of the most explosive issues in contemporary China. In the early 2000s, landless farmers and evictees unleashed waves of disruptive protests. Surprisingly, the Chinese government responded by adopting wide-ranging policy changes that addressed many of the protesters’ grievances. Heurlin traces policy changes from local protests in the provinces to the halls of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. In doing so, he highlights the interplay between local protests, state institutions, and elite politics. He shows that the much-maligned petitioning system actually plays an important role in elevating protesters’ concerns to the policymaking agenda. Delving deep into the policymaking process, the book illustrates how the State Council and NPC have become battlegrounds for conflicts between ministries and local governments over state policies.
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