The Autocrat’s Predicament: The Political Peril of Economic Upgrade in Single-Party Authoritarian Regimes

Author:   Timothy R. Heath
Publisher:   Lexington Books
ISBN:  

9781666947397


Pages:   232
Publication Date:   15 December 2023
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Our Price $184.00 Quantity:  
Add to Cart

Share |

The Autocrat’s Predicament: The Political Peril of Economic Upgrade in Single-Party Authoritarian Regimes


Add your own review!

Overview

In their quest for national revival, China’s leaders under Xi Jinping have sought to improve the economy’s performance. The disappointing economic record of authoritarian regimes provides ample grounds for doubt, yet not all have failed. Why have some succeeded where most did not? The theory of the “enabling condition” highlights the central role that politics plays in the pursuit of economic advancement. The theory explains that a political situation characterized by a strong central leadership, weak elite opposition, and a united public offers favorable prospects for enacting concentrated growth policies. This arrangement enables the central leadership to enlist the public in convincing elites to implement policies that they might otherwise resist. Focusing on the experience of single party, authoritarian regimes, The Autocrat’s Predicament: The Political Peril of Economic Upgrade in Single Party, Authoritarian Regimes examines episodes in the histories of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and the Soviet Union. It concludes that China’s unfavorable political situation could be potentially unfriendly for its ambitions to build an efficient, highly productive economy.

Full Product Details

Author:   Timothy R. Heath
Publisher:   Lexington Books
Imprint:   Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Dimensions:   Width: 16.00cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 23.60cm
Weight:   0.544kg
ISBN:  

9781666947397


ISBN 10:   1666947393
Pages:   232
Publication Date:   15 December 2023
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Introduction. The Political Challenge of Intensive Growth Policies Chapter 1. The Theory of the Enabling Condition Chapter 2. China 1991-1997: Deng Xiaoping’s Triumph and a Toxic Political Legacy Chapter 3. China 2004-2010: Hu Jintao: Professionalization Fails to Convert Opposing Elites Chapter 4. China 2013-2020: A Fragmented Public Undermines Xi’s Centralization Strategy Chapter 5. Taiwan 1973-79: Success Amid a Looming Threat of an Elite-Led Popular Mobilization Chapter 6. Soviet Union 1985-1990: Weak Central Leadership, Strong Elite Opposition Dooms Perestroika Chapter 7. Comparative Analysis Conclusion

Reviews

“China’s economic growth has been outstanding over the past four decades, but continuing that trajectory depends on changing China’s growth model from one of extensive growth to one of intensive growth. Tim Heath argues that this transformation depends more on political considerations than economic policies. In particular, he argues that single party, Leninist-style polities have a difficult time transforming their economic systems because they usually lack what he calls an 'enabling condition' – a combination of a strong central government, a weak opposition, and a cohesive public – but efforts to shore up one of these conditions tends to weaken one or more of the other two conditions. This is a novel and welcome new approach to understanding China’s political economy.” -- Joseph Fewsmith, Boston University “This compelling book explains why economic modernization requires at least limited political liberalization. Heath’s argument offers a clear warning to China’s leaders and holds important insights for China watchers abroad.” -- Bruce Dickson, George Washington University “Heath’s timely and expansive book puts China’s pursuit of innovation-driven growth in comparative perspective, with an emphasis on politics. The Autocrat’s Predicament shows how difficult it is for authoritarian regimes to orchestrate economic growth and renders Xi Jinping’s particular political strategies legible. Anyone interested in understanding the evolution and future of China’s pursuit of political control and economic growth should read this book.” -- Meg Rithmire, Harvard Business School


Author Information

Timothy R. Heath is senior international defense researcher at the RAND Corporation who previously served in the U.S. government as an intelligence specialist on China

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions
Latest Reading Guide

lgn

al

Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty
Shopping cart
Mailing List