China and Autocracy: Political Influence and the Limits of Global Democracy by Miao-ling Lin Hasenkamp
What effect is Chinas successful autocracy having on global politics? Is it leading to the decline of democracy, and the rise of strong man government worldwide? Chinas success economically, this collection argues, is undermining the post-war consensus that liberal democracy is best. In a multi-polar, Chinese-dominated world, Trump, Putin, Erdogan, and other global leaders no longer criticize China. In fact, they frequently invoke the usefulness of strong and united leadership. At the same time, China seeks to wear the mantle of a great power, and in doing so talks about human rights, climate change, freedom and economic liberalism. This collection examines how China views itself and where reality meets rhetoric on trade, international relations, diplomacy, economics and social policy. The contributors expertly dissect Chinas autocracy, and show how a ripple effect is altering the political-model consensus around the world.