China, Economic Liberalization, and Democratization

The Keck Center is sponsoring a speaker to address the failure of economic liberalization to lead to greater democratization in China. China's crackdown on civil liberties and other human rights before and during the Beijing Olympics demonstrates the real obstacle towards progress that the Chinese government is . Many theorists argue that despotic governments, upon instituting free market reforms, must eventually give way to democracy. They further argue that democratization can lead to instability when combined with market reforms, which then causes a reversion to despotism. Therefore, they argue that one should simply place their bets on benevolent, economically liberal dictatorships and count on the natural course to lead to improved human rights. However, facts on the ground in China prove that misguided belief in the benefits of dictatorial stability incorrect. Hopefully Dr. Pei can give us a better perspective on why that is the case.

Make sure to check out the talk. Info is below:

The Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies

is honored to sponsor a lecture by

Minxin Pei

Senior Associate in the China Program

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Why Has Economic Development Not Led to Democratization in China?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Lunch 11:30, Lecture 12:00

Athenaeum, CMC

Minxin Pei's research focuses on democratization in developing countries, economic reform and governance in China, and U.S.-China relations.
He received his B.A. in English from Shanghai International Studies University, Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. Dr. Pei taught at Harvard, Princeton, Davidson College, University of Pittsburgh, and Shanghai International Studies University. His most recent publication is China's Trapped Transition: The Limits of Developmental Autocracy.

Please join us for Dr. Pei's luncheon lecture.

Reservations may be made online at www.claremontmckenna.edu/mmca

Reservations are not required to attend the presentation only (12:00)

Reservation Deadline Monday, December 8