Becoming China: from Empire to Political Modernity

Question 1

Between which to parties did the Chinese Civil War occur?

Answer 1

The Kuomintang/Nationalists and the Communists/CCP

Question 2

Leadership of Mao Zedong?

Answer 2

1949-1976

Question 3

Great leap forward?

Answer 3

1958-61

Question 4

Cultural Revolution?

Answer 4

1966-69/76

Question 5

Whom coined the term ‘Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”

Answer 5

Deng Xiaoping

Question 6

What is David Shambaugh’s argument regarding the historical development of the CCP?

Answer 6

That, across the years, the CCP has gone through a simultaneous process of atrophy and adaptation, but much more successful with the latter

Question 7

What examples of Atophy did Shambaugh suggest would lead to dissolution of the state, like in other socialist governments?

Answer 7

1. Declining appeal of ideology & morality vacuum
2. Official corruption and party privileges
3. Influence of globalisation

Question 8

How has the CCP adapted to the atrophy of a political doctrine? + An example of this working

Answer 8

Substituted Nationalism and traditional methods of control in place of Marxism + Censorship & pro-China media instead of ideological colonisation

Question 9

How has the CCP paradoxically maintained control, according to Shambaugh?

Answer 9

Loosened control over the two other legs of the Triad, the Government and PLA, but as a result has induced a “Faustian bargain”

Question 10

How has the CCP adapted to atrophy of a Marxist-Leninist economy?

Answer 10

By embracing the global market instead of trying to hide from it

Question 11

What is the ‘United Front’?

Answer 11

8 registered (allowed) parties since 1950; No real power. Must formally accept the leadership of the CCP

Question 12

Example of Party within the United Front?

Answer 12

China Democratic League

Question 13

Examples of checks & balances in CCP?

Answer 13

Collective Leadership
70yr Age limit (norm)
Predictability of leadership-change

Question 14

What is Charter 08?

Answer 14

A dissident manifesto, modelled on Czechoslovak Charter 77

Question 15

Name a dissident?

Answer 15

Al WeiWei

Question 16

Advantages of Chinese centralism?

Answer 16

1. Decision-making efficiency (E.g. Three Gorges Dam) V India
2. Free of ideology, they simply do what works V U.S. (E.g. Different Presidents)
3. Internal rigidness and accountability

Question 17

Disadvantages of Chinese centralism?

Answer 17

1. Lack of downward accountability = Lack of societal knowledge
2. “Bad Emperor” Problem - No effective measure to remove them
3. Sustainability e.g. Economy & Morals