Description
Book SynopsisThe reforms of the Soviet and Chinese communist regimes were unparalleled-both in the radical, precedent-setting reforms attempted by the two countries and in the outcomes of these attempts. While the Soviet Union collapsed quickly in the midst of its reforms, more than a decade later China, the world''s most populous country, still stands as a testament to the resilience of Communist rule. It is this phenomenon that Christopher Marsh explores in Unparalleled Reforms. Marsh goes beyond simply discussing the differing initial conditions, the sequencing of reform, and cultural differences to also consider the objectives and intentions of the policy makers and leaders that directed the reform processes and the interdependent nature of politics on the world stage. Unparalleled Reforms offers the reader a sophisticated understanding of the nature of political reform and develops a theoretical model that can account for commonly overlooked factors that affect political processes in all types of political systems. In a class all its own, this is an important work for scholars interested in comparative politics, international relations, economics, Asian studies, and Russian studies.
Trade ReviewMarsh's account of the fall of the USSR is excellent. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Christopher Marsh uniquely brings both Russian and Chinese language skills to this ambitious comparative study of the politics....Marsh presents many worthwhile insights on the transition processes in the two countries. -- Robert F. Miller, The Australian National University * The China Journal *
Few scholars have been able to marshal the linguistic and research skills that Christopher Marsh has brought to bear on his comparative study of China and Russia. What did Beijing learn from Moscow's turbulent postcommunist years, and where will the ongoing transformation of Chinese politics and economy eventually lead? Marsh contends that analysts have looked at these countries in isolation for too long. In this brilliantly conceived and thoughtful study, Marsh explores the interaction effects of systemic change: How political leaders in China, the Soviet Union and now Russia have been acutely aware of what was happening in each other's states—even if, at times, they doggedly refused to draw the right lessons from what they observed. -- Charles King, Ion Ratiu Associate Professor of Romanian Studies, Georgetown University; author of The Moldovans: Romania, Russia, and the Politics of Culture
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Russia's Past and China's Future Chapter 2 Transitions, Interaction Effects, and Lesson-Drawing Chapter 3 From Reform to Crisis Chapter 4 Transition or Transformation? Chapter 5 Learning from Your Comrade's Mistakes Chapter 6 What Moscow Refuses to Learn from Beijing Chapter 7 Transition, Lesson-Drawing, and Culture
