ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that conflict within the top ranks of the party concerning management of the economy became more acute and public. It describes that austerity programme adopted in autumn 1988 in an attempt to curb inflation 'has had a deleterious impact on the wellbeing of rural society, in terms of employment, income and consumption'. The book discusses that link between domestic choices and foreign policy –the most successful sector in the post-Mao period– is less rigid than commonly believed. In May-June 1989, China experienced its most serious domestic crisis since 1976, the year of Mao Zedong's death. The book traces the parabola of Chinese reforms in agriculture and industry. It argues the chances that a democratic regime can emerge remain very low. But there are numerous alternatives: the restoration of the power of the party, warlordism, or liberalised Communism.
