The halting advance of pluralism

Article Abstract:

China's aim toward economic modernization parallels that of Taiwan in the 1960s and 1970s as both governments are authoritarian in nature where technocracy has precedence over democracy and pluralism. This scenario of China during the first decade of the 21st century has as its basis the reluctance of Chinese authorities to go the way of the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellites which have adopted Western-style governments. Political reform, thus, will proceed slowly and may not include the holding of direct elections for national leaders.

Pluralism

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Sources of resistance

Article Abstract:

The path to democratization for China's government is obstructed by vested interests that would profit from the retention of the status quo and the combination of factors that make the country's sociopolitical system different even from that of neighboring Taiwan. The political elites have still a very strong hold on the people's minds and, despite the onslaught of Western influences, Maoism is still a respected ideology. China will, therefore, accommodate outside influences but will not foreseeably become a Western-style democracy.

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Confronting a classic dilemma

Article Abstract:

The potential democratization of China will depend on three factors, namely, the strength of the existing leadership, its weaknesses and the impact of economic change on the political setup. It is likely that the country will eventually adopt democratic practices but at a gradual pace. Nevertheless, the adoption of Western-style democracy may not be the only option available to the country's leaders. They may be able to skillfully blend Communist Party rule with certain democratic institutions such as popular elections.

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