Chen provides an analysis of the political economy of rural development in China during the reform era. Revolving around the central theme of statecraft, Chen's study gives a concise and comprehensive treatment of the interaction of ideology and politics with central policy and economic growth. He examines China's economic reform in historical perspective, characterizes China's economic and political transformation since the reform, and proposes that the Chinese Communist Party is being transformed into a party of economics while China's ideology is becoming market-oriented communal socialism.

In addressing the issue of the Chinese path of development, Chen discusses the role of local party organizations in China's modernization drive and the microform of market-oriented communal socialism in the newly emerged village conglomerate, highlights the challenges that China faces at the turn of the new century after 20 years of economic reform, and analyzes the context of the introduction of village elections in 1990, and the establishment of Deng Xiaoping's Theory as a new ideological discourse at the 15th National Congress as well as the rationale behind them. In examining the connection between the two goals of statecraft --improving people's welfare and strengthening the state--and between central policies and local initiatives, Chen provides a study that will be of great interest to scholars, students, and other researchers involved with contemporary Chinese politics and development.

How can we know a country, such as the United States or China, is revisionist, that is, whether it intends to upset the international order? What motivates states to act the way they do? Contesting Revisionism focuses on a particular kind of motivation inclining a state to challenge the existing norms, rules, and institutions of international order: revisionism. The authors offer a critique of the existing discourse on revisionism and investigate the origin and evolution of the foreign policy orientations of revisionist states in the past. Furthermore, they introduce an ensemble of indicators to discern and compare the extent of revisionist tendencies on the part of contemporary China and the United States. Questioning the facile assumption that past episodes will repeat in the future, they argue that "hard" revisionism relying on war and conquest is less viable and likely in today's world. Instead, "soft" revisionism seeking to promote institutional change is more relevant and likely. Focusing on contemporary Sino-American relations, they conclude that much of the current discourse based on power transition theory is problematic. A dominant power is not inevitably committed to the defense of international order, nor does a rising power always have a revisionist agenda to challenge this order. The transformation of international order does not necessarily require a power transition between China and the US., nor does a possible power transition necessarily augur war. After developing the concept of revisionism both theoretically and empirically, they conclude with a series of policy recommendations for enhancing international stability and diminishing tension in Sino-American relations.

Building a Neighborly Community, available for the first time in paperback, explores the political economy of post-cold war East Asian co-operation by examining the history of intra-regional co-operation, against the background of China's rise and Japan's relative decline, both real and perceived. The book in particular examines how East Asian states have dealt with the South China Sea as a region-wide security challenge and the imperative for self-help after the 1997 economic crisis. The book builds on the explanatory strength of analytical eclecticism, and ultimately concludes that China, South Korea, Japan, and ASEAN states have aimed for constructing a neighborly community. The fundamental differences between a neighborly community and the kind of community that has emerged in Europe and North America are that qualification for membership is not conditional, the process of routine interactions is itself one of reassurance, the aim of inter-state interactions is to foster acceptance of each other, and changes in a member's foreign policy behaviour are accepted.

Relations between mainland China and Taiwan have improved markedly in recent years, giving rise to the key question, How far can the current rapprochement go? This book focuses on how mainland China-Taiwan relations are likely to develop in future. It considers economic relations, including the many recent trade agreements, the political sphere, where there has been little progress, the impact of increasing personal, social contacts, and the role of international actors, especially the United States. The book concludes by arguing that the present "circulatory dialogue" is likely to continue, without a transformative breakthrough.

Relations between mainland China and Taiwan have improved markedly in recent years, giving rise to the key question, How far can the current rapprochement go? This book focuses on how mainland China-Taiwan relations are likely to develop in future. It considers economic relations, including the many recent trade agreements, the political sphere, where there has been little progress, the impact of increasing personal, social contacts, and the role of international actors, especially the United States. The book concludes by arguing that the present "circulatory dialogue" is likely to continue, without a transformative breakthrough.

All five episodes from the fifth series of the award winning BBC sitcom starring Lee Mack and Tim Vine. In this series, in ever more desperate attempts to win the affections of Lucy (Sally Bretton), Lee (Lee Mack) joins a local rock band; becomes a carer for his money-grabbing father, Frank (Bobby Ball); spends the night under canvas in a creepy wood; enlists for a fun run; and conducts a drunken experiment with Lucy. The episodes are: 'Band', 'Dad's', 'Camping', 'Running' and 'Experiment'.

Discover how to fully unite your hidden spiritual life with your everyday reality using this book's exercises and insights. Author Angela A. Wix answers your burning questions around what it means to be a secret psychic, how to overcome common challenges, and how to integrate your experience so you don't feel like you're caught between two worlds.The Secret Psychic is a unique resource designed to help you explore and practice your abilities when you can't yet open up to those around you. Learn how to fully connect with and use your subtle intuition, how to recognize and receive spirit communication, and how to eventually reveal your true self to others. Featuring enlightening wisdom from professional psychics, mediums, and intuition experts, this book helps you fully embrace your personal energetic power.

Embrace the magic of unicorns and find your sparkle with this extraordinary book on rediscovering wonder and happiness. From their historical and modern significance to the two types of unicorn encounters you can experience, Llewellyn s Little Book of Unicorns is packed with ways to find inspiration, heightened creativity, and the playful source of your joy. This fun, practical guide features a variety of methods to connect with unicorn energy, including crystals, dreams, chakras, and the unicorn-like people in your life. Discover what makes you shine from the inside out, even in difficult times. Through engaging exercises and spiritual techniques, this book helps you live your most amazing life.

Randy Wix spent his early years in the fields of construction and landscaping. When you enter his studio, you cannot help but notice that instead of art brushes and canvases, you find power tools, bundles of wire, bags of concrete and other items commonly found in a carpenters workshop rather than an artist studio. His studio is his job site and he is the contractor. The source of art supplies is the local hardware store and his creative process involves a combination of engineering, construction and curation. Randy discovers objects in the world around us daily and sees them as part of his storytelling efforts as he attempts to redefine and challenge the world around us. Randy's keen eye and his deep understanding of the power of form and function drive his creative process which result in powerful works that reflect the evolution and change in our world today. The future of our past is part of his everyday conversation as he thoughtfully engineers and builds his creations.

Ethnographies for a Global Century introduces readers to topics in sociocultural anthropology viewed through the lens of contemporary ethnography. The readings highlight the importance of anthropology in a future when understanding the points of contact and engagement between humans and non-human things will become critical. The readings are organized into fifteen chapters which address topics such as past, present, and place, language and expression, relatedness and personhood, health and healing, gender and sexuality, religion, politics, and economy and livelihood. Each chapter includes an original introduction and study questions that encourage critical thinking. The essays were chosen for their ability to destabilize common anthropological boundaries, particularly those between traditional and novel concepts such as gender and robotics, as well as the boundaries that are typically established between humans, animals, the natural world, and technology. Ethnographies for a Global Century asks readers to question long-held distinctions and envision the future of anthropology in an increasingly interconnected, global world. The book is a unique, thought-provoking choice for any course in cultural or social anthropology.