Overview

This book offers a long-overdue, balanced, and objective perspective on China’s transformation from a constrained economy in the late 1970s to a leading global power in 2024. It examines the political motivations behind China’s rise through a detailed contextualisation of the reforms and opening-up policies of Deng Xiaoping, its governing principles, and the implications of its ascent for the world. For readers interested in China’s evolution over the past 50 years, this book is a valuable resource for policymakers, business professionals, academics, and students of contemporary Chinese studies, international relations, global political economy, and governance.

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9781041080572

Table of Contents

Reviews

“Understanding a complex organism requires understanding of its genetic inheritance and its developmental dynamic including its embryological history. The re-emergence of China on the world stage is a complex phenomenon with a long evolution. It is not surprising for those who see only a few snapshots of China to imagine all kinds of futures for China including some fearful ones. Those who study China in its earlier incarnations know that China’s growth and behaviour are in fact constrained by its past and civilizational character, and therefore not altogether unpredictable. Chandran Nair has authored a useful book for those who seek to have a sense of what China will become in the coming years.” George Yeo Yong-Boon, Former Foreign Minister of Singapore “China’s swift and resourceful rise has scrambled the knowledge systems of the West, confounding their existing intellectual frameworks and making hostile speculation the main unit of analysis. Those looking for a picture undistorted by ideology and resentment of how China reshapes the world can do no better than read this impressively researched and detailed account.” Pankaj Mishra, Author of From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia “Chandran Nair's Understanding China: Governance, Socio-Economics, Global Influence is a timely and essential work that offers an insightful and balanced perspective on one of the most significant transformations in modern history. At a time when a nuanced understanding of China's rise is urgently needed, this book provides a comprehensive analysis that cuts through the noise of media narratives. It serves as an invaluable resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of China's governance model, economic evolution, and growing global impact. Additionally, it fosters informed dialogue and deeper international understanding.” Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP. Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings & Former Convenor of the Executive Council of Hong Kong SAR “Where to go for a one-stop, comprehensive, balanced, and thought-provoking analysis of China's rapid rise over the last few decades? This book!” Daniel A. Bell, Author of Why China's Ancient Political Thought Matters.

“Understanding a complex organism requires understanding of its genetic inheritance and its developmental dynamic including its embryological history. The re-emergence of China on the world stage is a complex phenomenon with a long evolution. It is not surprising for those who see only a few snapshots of China to imagine all kinds of futures for China including some fearful ones. Those who study China in its earlier incarnations know that China’s growth and behaviour are in fact constrained by its past and civilizational character, and therefore not altogether unpredictable. Chandran Nair has authored a useful book for those who seek to have a sense of what China will become in the coming years.” George Yeo Yong-Boon, Former Foreign Minister of Singapore “China’s swift and resourceful rise has scrambled the knowledge systems of the West, confounding their existing intellectual frameworks and making hostile speculation the main unit of analysis. Those looking for a picture undistorted by ideology and resentment of how China reshapes the world can do no better than read this impressively researched and detailed account.” Pankaj Mishra, Author of From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia “Chandran Nair's Understanding China: Governance, Socio-Economics, Global Influence is a timely and essential work that offers an insightful and balanced perspective on one of the most significant transformations in modern history. At a time when a nuanced understanding of China's rise is urgently needed, this book provides a comprehensive analysis that cuts through the noise of media narratives. It serves as an invaluable resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of China's governance model, economic evolution, and growing global impact. Additionally, it fosters informed dialogue and deeper international understanding.” Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP. Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings and Former Convenor of the Executive Council of Hong Kong SAR “Where to go for a one-stop, comprehensive, balanced, and thought-provoking analysis of China's rapid rise over the last few decades? This book!” Daniel A. Bell, Author of Why China's Ancient Political Thought Matters

Author Information

Chandran Nair is the founder and CEO of the Global Institute for Tomorrow, an independent Pan-Asian think tank that explores the dynamic relationship among business, society, and the state, as well as the rules governing global capitalism. Jorgen Randers is Professor Emeritus of Climate Strategy at the Norwegian Business School, specialising in climate issues, scenario analysis, and system dynamics. Jinfeng Zhou is Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity and Green Development Foundation. Frederick Charles Dubee has an extensive background in international education, development, and strategy. He joined the UN in 2000 as Senior Officer and later Senior Advisor for the UN Global Compact.

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