Seminar Abstract

For a long time, observers of Chinese politics have stressed “institutionalization” — the retirement age, the regular rotation of members of the Central Committee, and the growth of regular policy processes. But much of that understanding has been thrown out in the wake of the 19th Party Congress and the elimination of term limits. This talk explores alternative ways of looking at elite politics.

About the Speaker

Joseph Fewsmith is Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. He is the author or editor of eight books, including most recently The Logic and Limits of Political Reform in China (Cambridge University Press, 2013) and China since Tiananmen (2^nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2008). From 2001-2015 he was one of seven regular contributors to China Leadership Monitor, a quarterly web publication analysing current developments in China. He has written over 100 scholarly articles and book chapters, with articles appearing in such leading journals as The China Quarterly and Asian Studies.