State Studies

Political Development and Obstacles to Transition to Democracy in China (1978-2021)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Hossein Karimiafrd

Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/tssq.2022.62708.1137
Abstract
Modernization theorists believe that there is a direct relationship between economic and social development and the process of transition to democracy. According to modernization theories, economic development and industrialization lead to the transition to democracy. China has achieved economic development since 1978 and has had economic growth of more than 10% for consecutive years. However, according to the theory of modernization, this country has not gone through the transition to democracy and has become an exception. The aim of this article is to examine and explain the lack of transition to democracy in China according to modernization theories. The research question is: What factors have prevented China from entering the process of transition to democracy between 1978 and 2021? The hypothesis of this research trying to be proved with the analytical and explanatory methodology, is: Several factors have contributed to the lack of transition to democracy in China. But the most important of them are the coordination and cohesion between the ruling class (Chinese Communist Party, government and army), the weakness of civil society, the fragmentation and dependence of the middle class, the basis and values of Chinese society and the fear of disarray. Social and political stability in the most populous country in the world with most groups, different classes of society and some countries. The combination of these factors has led to the support of the authoritarian system and their unwillingness to enter the process of transition to democracy between 1978 and 2021.

Keywords

Transition to Democracy
Democracy
China
Political Development
Middle Class

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State Studies
Volume 7, Issue 28
Winter 2022
Pages 59-94

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