Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the question of whether party-state democracy is possible in theory. It shows that a conflict between Party hegemony and democratic reforms could be averted if the state recognized the rights of individuals and developed programs with both the public will and new social forces in mind. The book explains that the greatest obstacle confronting the Chinese Communist leadership's reform effort is the widespread skepticism that has resulted from the lack of a clear-cut theoretical basis for such reform. Drastic changes in the international political situation have prompted almost all countries to adjust their foreign policy to guarantee their security. The book argues that the Chinese Communist leaders find democracy and the rule of law confusing, although intellectuals are generally in favor of greater democracy in mainland China.