This is a party absolutely determined to maintain a monopoly of power and absolutely determined to crush any attempt by any group to suggest that there ought to be anything like separation of powers. No labor unions. No civil society. No freedom of press. No judicial independence. The mere suggestion of it seems to be so offensive that people end up in jail and that’s a constant theme that runs throughout this entire period.

Frank Dikötter

Become a Patron!

Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.

Order China After Mao: The Rise of a Superpower by Frank Dikötter (Available in the UK now. Available in the US November 15th, 2022.)

A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.

Frank Dikötter is the author of three books about China under Mao called the People’s Trilogy. He is currently the Chair Professor of Humanities at the University of Hong Kong. His latest book is China After Mao: The Rise of a Superpower.

Key Highlights

• Introduction - 0:52
• Life in China After Mao - 3:06
• How much did China Reform After Mao - 13:20
• What do the Chinese People Want from Reform - 25:38
• Is Political Reform Necessary for Deeper Economic Reforms - 29:33
• Why is China's Reform Overstated - 36:18

Key Links

Learn more about Frank Dikötter at Wikipedia

The People's Trilogy by Frank Dikötter

Democracy Paradox Podcast

Sarah Cook on China’s Expanding Global Media Influence

Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way on the Durable Authoritarianism of Revolutionary Regimes

More Episodes from the Podcast

More Information

Democracy Group

Apes of the State created all Music

Email the show at [email protected]

Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast

100 Books on Democracy

Democracy Paradox is part of the Amazon Affiliates Program and earns commissions on items purchased from links to the Amazon website. All links are to recommended books discussed in the podcast or referenced in the blog.

Support the show