Shifting strategies: The politics of radical change in provincial development policy in China
Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-2022
Abstract
Why do provincial governments change policy, even when those policies have proven successful? This paper explores a debate regarding the determinants of provincial policy choice and the degree of discretion provinces are permitted in this area. It does so by scrutinizing the shift in Guizhou's development policy from a poverty reduction orientation to a wholehearted pursuit of economic growth, urbanization and industrialization. In contrast to those who argue that central experience, prospects for promotion or local conditions are key factors explaining policy choice, the paper concludes that Guizhou's shift in policy had more to do with the backgrounds and experiences of top provincial leaders. The result has implications for our understanding of central-local relations and local government decision making.
Keywords
Guizhou, development strategy, central-local relations, local politics, west China
Discipline
Political Science | Sociology
Research Areas
Sociology; Political Science
Publication
China Quarterly
Volume
249
First Page
139
Last Page
159
ISSN
0305-7410
Identifier
10.1017/S0305741021001284
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Citation
DONALDSON, John A., & YANG, Xiaotao.(2022). Shifting strategies: The politics of radical change in provincial development policy in China. China Quarterly, 249, 139-159.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3636
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0305741021001284