Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to contribute to increased knowledge and understanding of the Chinese domestic resettlement and environment issues related to the dam, and portrays the official policymaking for these issues as well as the academic discourse in China. It focuses on the three following objectives: the dynamics in the decision-making process seen in relation to the changes in Chinese society, the Chinese discussion about the resettlement and environment issues and the validity of the analytical approach used. The book gives an overview of China's environmental developments from 1972 until the 2001, with a greater focus on the last two decades. It attempts to illustrate that the change of Premier and leadership in the Three Gorges project, the role of Zhu Rongji, and the interaction between the leadership, media and scholars have all been important factors in the process leading to resettlement policy change.