Red Capitalists: The Emergence of the Private Sector in China

From the beginning of the reform era in China, observers have expected political reform would eventually catch up with economic reforms, and that China's capitalists would promote democratization. Instead, they have been integrated into the political system. Instead of being agents of change, they have been allies of the state. Recent trends, including the leadership transition and the renewed promotion of state-owned enterprises at the expense of the private sector, may lead them to reconsider their support for the status quo.

Bruce J. Dickson is professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. His research and teaching focus on political dynamics in China, especially the role of the Chinese Communist Party. His most recent books are Allies of the State: China’s Private Entrepreneurs and Democratic Change (Harvard University Press, 2010), co-authored with Jie Chen, and Wealth into Power: The Communist Party’s Embrace of China’s Private Sector (Cambridge University Press, 2008).

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

Arranged by Asia Research Centre.