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

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0305741021001284

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