The 18th Party Congress and the Future of Political Reform in China

China has faced increasing problems in its governance in recent years. Some of these problems have been vividly illustrated in the case of Bo Xilai, the former party secretary of Chongqing who was removed from his position last spring. Some have hoped that this case, which exposed corruption and the abuse of power, would spur new efforts in political reform.

Looking from the perspective of the recent 18th Party Congress, this talk will look at the problems of governance in China and examine the obstacles to reform. It will also look at the problems that could emerge if China does not engage in reform seriously.

Joseph Fewsmith is Professor of International Relations and Political Science at Boston University. He is the author or editor of seven books, including most recently, The Logic and Limits of Political Reform in China (Cambridge University Press 2012). He is one of the seven regular contributors to the China Leadership Monitor, a quarterly web publication analyzing current developments in China, and publishes regularly in academic journals and books. He is an associate of the John King Fairbank Center for East Asian Studies at Harvard University and the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer Range Future at Boston University.

The lecture is free of charge and everybody is welcome, but please register by writing arc.int@cbs.dk.

Arranged by Asia Research Centre.