Comparative and International Policy
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AUTHORITARIANREGIME-CHINACASESTUDY.pptxWEEK 2: LECTURE 1 AUTHORITARIAN REGIME: CHINA CASE STUDY
INSTRUCTOR- OSITA AFOAKU, PH.D.
(812) 855-5971
OFFICE- SPEA 463
1
INTRODUCTION
China: Modernizing Single-Party Authoritarian Regime. Deliberate effort by party leadership to create a more institutionalized system of rule
Main targets of reform or institutionalization - top leadership, judiciary, civilian control of military
Leadership succession at the top of the political system
Role of Political Repression in contemporary state and society relations
Anti-corruption campaign
Role of Communist ideology plays in post-Mao China
Under Chairman Mao 1949-78, the Chinese communist regime was a highly personalist system of rule. Political power was highly concentrated in the supreme leader. Obedience to Mao was unprecedented.
Following Mao’s death, Chinese leaders embarked on a process of institutionalization or reforms aimed at creating a modernized single-party authoritarian system of rule.
1982 CONSTITUTION (AMENDED 199)
Xi Jinping is President, General Secretary of CCP, and Chair of the Central Military Committee; elected by the Central Committee of CCP
Two presidential terms has become a norm –used to be open ended
CCP is central state organ – combines executive and legislative functions
National Party Congress – decision making body of CCP
National People’s Congress – legislature
Members of both institutions ostensibly elected by provincial and local party leaders. In reality party loyalty is primary a determinant.
Real power lies in the Politburo – group of 25 senior party leaders who oversee the Communist Party
GENERATIONAL CHANGE IN CCP LEADERSHIP
Generational change in party leadership – younger and more highly educated members make up 60 percent of top leadership
Two major factions within the top leadership system; (a) party youth league supported by leaders from inland and poorer regions; (b)wealthier coastal areas known as the “Shanghai gang”
Balance of power between the two factions serves as informal checks and balance within the leadership system –internal debate/discussion on policy
Civilian control of the military – top military leaders are party members. The military specializes in defense and foreign policy matters
THE JUDICIARY
The Judiciary under Mao was not developed - very little existed by way of a criminal justice system or codified law. Available law was not followed. Rule of law was not strong at all.
Post-Mao Judiciary based on 1980s Reforms:
The Supreme People’s Court has the right to interpret the law and constitution but cannot overturn decisions made by the National Congress.
Court proceedings are generally open to the public
Civil and economic law more extensively liberalized than criminal law to protect property rights of citizens and foreign investors
Administrative law has been reformed to enable citizens to sue local governments for poor performance or negligence. Several thousands of litigations against local governments since the reforms.
Stronger courts and rule of law exist primarily for civil and economic law for contracts and property rights. This is part of the government’s effort to attract foreign investors.
POLITICAL REPRESSION IN POST-MAO CHINA
Repression continues to play a significant role in maintaining stability in post-Mao China. In 2016, China was ranked by Reporters Without Borders as the 5th worst country in the world on press freedom – targets of repression include:
Human Rights Activists
Tibetan activists demanding autonomy
Ethnic Uyghurs demanding greater freedoms and social services
The Press
Journalists
Internet Users
Political Dissidents
Reporters
Intellectuals & Professionals
IDEOLOGY, FOREIGN POLICY, CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN
IDEOLOGY
Under the current Xi Jinping government, CCP has returned to an active effort at mandating an official ideology. Confucianism and nationalism serve as ideological supports.
FOREIGN POLICY
The Xi Jinping government is committed to an aggressive foreign policy to establish China as a global superpower and regional power – within Asia.
ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection charged with ferreting corruption.
National anti-corruption campaign designed to improve China’s international image and to attract foreign investors – emphasis on stability and economic growth.
