China's Trapped Transition: The Limits of Developmental Autocracy

The rise of China as a great power is one of the most important developments in the twenty—first century. But despite dramatic economic progress, China’s prospects remain uncertain. In a book sure to provoke debate, Minxin Pei examines the sustainability of the Chinese Communist Party’s reform strategy—pursuing pro—market economic policies under one—party rule.

Pei casts doubt on three central explanations for why China’s strategy works: sustained economic development will lead to political ...