Development

A Chinese Way of Democratization?

January 1, 2009

Yang Yao

Abstract

With an equal social structure, China seems to be better prepared for a functioning democracy than other developing countries. It has stayed authoritarian because the CCP has successfully diverted the demand for democratization through tactics of economic growth, expansion of civil liberty, and selective accountability. However, the results of these tactics inevitably bring about forces and elements arguing and even fighting for democratization. As a result, there are more democratic elements in China than people usually believe and these elements are growing. Chinas path to democratization may prove to be appropriate taking into account Chinas recent history and cultural heritage.

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