Routledge - Local Government and Politics in China Book

Explore the changing landscape of Chinese governance with this academic study from Routledge. As administrative and economic reforms continue in mainland China, the relationship between the central government and local authorities has shifted significantly. This book examines how the center has become more remote, often finding its mobilization capacity weakened in the face of local interests. Readers will gain insight into why central government policies are sometimes ignored and how local officials prioritize personal projects over centrally directed economic plans. By studying the tension between top-down directives and bottom-up challenges, this work provides a deep look at the realities of modern political life in China. The author uses direct interviews with government officials to explain the specific conditions under which local leaders choose to comply with or resist instructions from above. This is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in contemporary Chinese politics and administrative reform.