Strong Society, Smart State

The Rise of Public Opinion in China's Japan Policy

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Asia, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Strong Society, Smart State by James Reilly, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Reilly ISBN: 9780231528085
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: October 11, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: James Reilly
ISBN: 9780231528085
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: October 11, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

The rise and influence of public opinion on Chinese foreign policy reveals a remarkable evolution in authoritarian responses to social turmoil. James Reilly shows how Chinese leaders have responded to popular demands for political participation with a sophisticated strategy of tolerance, responsiveness, persuasion, and repression—a successful approach that helps explain how and why the Communist Party continues to rule China.

Through a detailed examination of China's relations with Japan from 1980 to 2010, Reilly reveals the populist origins of a wave of anti-Japanese public mobilization that swept across China in the early 2000s. Popular protests, sensationalist media content, and emotional public opinion combined to impede diplomatic negotiations, interrupt economic cooperation, spur belligerent rhetoric, and reshape public debates. Facing a mounting domestic and diplomatic crisis, Chinese leaders responded with a remarkable reversal, curtailing protests and cooling public anger toward Japan.

Far from being a fragile state overwhelmed by popular nationalism, market forces, or information technology, China has emerged as a robust and flexible regime that has adapted to its new environment with remarkable speed and effectiveness. Reilly's study of public opinion's influence on foreign policy extends beyond democratic states. It reveals how persuasion and responsiveness sustain Communist Party rule in China and develops a method for examining similar dynamics in different authoritarian regimes. He draws upon public opinion surveys, interviews with Chinese activists, quantitative media analysis, and internal government documents to support his findings, joining theories in international relations, social movements, and public opinion.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The rise and influence of public opinion on Chinese foreign policy reveals a remarkable evolution in authoritarian responses to social turmoil. James Reilly shows how Chinese leaders have responded to popular demands for political participation with a sophisticated strategy of tolerance, responsiveness, persuasion, and repression—a successful approach that helps explain how and why the Communist Party continues to rule China.

Through a detailed examination of China's relations with Japan from 1980 to 2010, Reilly reveals the populist origins of a wave of anti-Japanese public mobilization that swept across China in the early 2000s. Popular protests, sensationalist media content, and emotional public opinion combined to impede diplomatic negotiations, interrupt economic cooperation, spur belligerent rhetoric, and reshape public debates. Facing a mounting domestic and diplomatic crisis, Chinese leaders responded with a remarkable reversal, curtailing protests and cooling public anger toward Japan.

Far from being a fragile state overwhelmed by popular nationalism, market forces, or information technology, China has emerged as a robust and flexible regime that has adapted to its new environment with remarkable speed and effectiveness. Reilly's study of public opinion's influence on foreign policy extends beyond democratic states. It reveals how persuasion and responsiveness sustain Communist Party rule in China and develops a method for examining similar dynamics in different authoritarian regimes. He draws upon public opinion surveys, interviews with Chinese activists, quantitative media analysis, and internal government documents to support his findings, joining theories in international relations, social movements, and public opinion.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust by James Reilly
Cover of the book Evolutionary Perspectives on Pregnancy by James Reilly
Cover of the book Classical Arabic Stories by James Reilly
Cover of the book The Columbia History of Chinese Literature by James Reilly
Cover of the book I-Docs by James Reilly
Cover of the book Wild Kids by James Reilly
Cover of the book Rising Seas by James Reilly
Cover of the book Promised Bodies by James Reilly
Cover of the book China's Green Religion by James Reilly
Cover of the book Sound Technology and the American Cinema by James Reilly
Cover of the book Class Clowns by James Reilly
Cover of the book Origins of Darwin's Evolution by James Reilly
Cover of the book Sustainability Management by James Reilly
Cover of the book Journalism Under Fire by James Reilly
Cover of the book The Collapse of Western Civilization by James Reilly
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy