The Applicability of Policy-Making Theories in Post-Mao China

This pioneering work provides a systematic analysis of the applicability of a range of policy-making theories and models in post-Mao China. Its main findings are as follows:1) Although Marxism is still the fundamental guiding thought of China's policy-making, a greater flexibility has been adopted.2) The twin approaches of incrementalism and pragmatism are the foundation of China's policy-making mechanism, powerfully promoting its successful operation.3) The rise of a pluralist...
More Description

This pioneering work provides a systematic analysis of the applicability of a range of policy-making theories and models in post-Mao China. Its main findings are as follows:1) Although Marxism is still the fundamental guiding thought of China's policy-making, a greater flexibility has been adopted.2) The twin approaches of incrementalism and pragmatism are the foundation of China's policy-making mechanism, powerfully promoting its successful operation.3) The rise of a pluralist tendency significantly influences China's policy process, this includes the increasing involvement of the non-CPC (Communist Party of China) or non-government political and social forces.4) Political elites continue to dominate China's policy-making process, and its central role is much more prominent than in other modern countries.5) Existing institutions are decisive in shaping China's policy making model, by determining the power structure and the power relations within which the policy making actions take place.