Rediscovering China: Dynamics and Dilemmas of Reform

by Cheng Li

Book Overview

Cheng Li returned to China for this book, to observe the dilemmas which the country confronts at the turn of the millennium. To achieve the dual perspective of local resident and political scientist, he interviewed various people, from entrepreneurs to migrant labourers. The book shows the current problems with corruption, the growing disparaties between rich and poor, environmental degradation, the halting reform of state-owned enterprises, and transportation...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0847683389
• ISBN13: 9780847683383
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Thums Up

Very informative and enjoyable. And Objective. A lot of depth into social, economic, and political issues in China through vivid interviews and revealing statistical data. The author is an American professor spending two years of social study in China. He did not stay in fancy hotel while in China, but rather went to rural areas, rode public transportation, and interviewed the working class as well as billionares. The author exposed some serious social issues in China, nevertheless one can sense his passion for this country. As a Chinese I am very proud of Professor Li and his work. This is a great book for Americans who are interested in China and who would like to know more about real China that has been somewhat twisted by the popular western media.

The author brings a unique perspective

The author of "Rediscovering China: Dynamics and Dilemmas of Reform" brings a unique perspective to his book, namely the viewpoint of one who has experienced both Chinese and American cultures firsthand. Born in Shanghai, Li Cheng came to the United States to study, later returning to China to write a series of articles, the updated versions of which form the basis of this book. The experiences he relates contain much more depth, much more richness of human interaction than comparable books written by native Western authors. He eloquently points out flaws in American stereotypical thinking about China, as well as criticizing Chinese leadership. I think Jiang ZeMin would do well to heed some of Li Cheng's recommendations.