Thematic Section

Development (2007) 50, 3–10. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1100402

The Political Economy of Development in China: Political agendas and economic realities

Shaun Breslin

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Abstract

China's fourth generation of leaders have re-focused the political agenda away from purely growth considerations to broadly defined developmental issues – primarily driven by concerns about the political implications of growing inequality. However, Shaun Breslin suggests that central leaders may not have the agency to direct economic activity in a way that will allow developmental promises to be achieved.

Keywords:

poverty, 'harmonious development', inequality, welfare reform, unemployment, state capacity