Sections

Commentary

The Dynamics of Elite Politics During the Jiang Era

David Shambaugh
David Shambaugh
David Shambaugh Gaston Sigur Professor of Asian Studies, Political Science & International Affairs; Director of the China Policy Program - Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University

February 1, 2001

In structural, functional, and normative respects, elite politics during Jiang Zemin’s era has become more rational, normal, and predictable. While Jiang himself probably deserves some credit, as this occurred on his watch, the causes of many of these positive changes in Chinese elite politics were largely systemic and autonomous in their origins.