The China Model: Political Meritocracy and the Limits of Democracy

"Westerners tend to divide the political world into 'good' democracies and 'bad' authoritarian regimes. But the Chinese political model does not fit neatly in either category. Over the past three decades, China has evolved into a political system that can best be described as 'political meritocracy.' [This work] seeks to understand the ideals and the reality of this unique political system"--

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Chapter 1. Is Democracy the Least Bad Political System? -- Chapter 2. On the Selection of Good Leaders in a Political Meritocracy -- Chapter 3. What's Wrong with Political Meritocracy -- Chapter 4. Three Models of Democratic Meritocracy -- Concluding Thoughts. Realizing the China Model -- Notes -- Selected Bibliography -- Index