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Understanding China
Book

Understanding China

A Guide to China's Economy, History, and Political Structure

John Bryan Starr
Hill and Wang, 1997
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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Overview
  • Background

Recommendation

John Bryan Starr presents an overview of China, including its geography, history, political system, economy and social-cultural system. His excellent, in-depth analysis discusses various Chinese institutions and issues, including the military, the educational system, urban and rural problems, population growth, environment degradation, human rights, culture, and intellectual freedom. However, you should view this book as a background introduction, since most of its information dates from research completed by 1995. For the latest developments in China, refer to more current sources. The book, which is written directly and clearly without academic jargon, is directed primarily toward westerners, particularly in the United States.

Summary

China’s Growing Power

China’s economy is growing so rapidly that some predict it will be the world’s largest economy by 2040. China’s economic growth has been accompanied by political liberalization, as the government has reduced its tight controls. As a result, the Chinese now have more freedom than ever, although they still face many restrictions.

Much of China’s rapid change has occurred since the 1950s. Even more change can be expected following the death of Deng Xiaoping, successor of Mao Zedong, who was the leader of the Communist Party for forty years. Though it still controls China, the Party’s power is loosening, its reputation injured by the Cultural Revolution and the resulting reduction in living standards. Today, most people find Marxism and Leninism irrelevant. Simultaneously, the army has gained in power at the expense of the Party.

A new generation is rising. Those who grew up after the post-Mao reforms are much more materialistic than earlier generations and are especially interested in gaining personal wealth most easily obtained through the private sector. They have little interest in the public arena.

China’s Major Problems Today

About the Author

John Bryan Starr is the author of many articles and books on China, including Ideology and Culture and Continuing the Revolution: The Political Thought of Mao. He is editor of The Future of U.S.-China Relations and has taught at the University of California, Yale, and Dartmouth. He was president of the Yale China Association for 15 years and of the China Institute in New York City. He is now managing director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform.

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