Long Time Coming

• April 8, 2008
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Pro-democracy sentiments have long been fashionable among Chinese leaders, albeit an "Asian Way" model featuring limited suffrage and single-party dominance. Despite Western skepticism, the Chinese are embarking on a three-pronged strategy with plans to institute reforms in elections, judicial independence, and oversight -- now some are arguing Chinese democracy is inevitable. In this detailed, statistical gold mine for China buffs and researchers, Thornton details the progress made in each sector, noting that the 20th century has seen a new ability for individuals to sue the state, the direct or indirect election of village leaders, and intra-party competition, among numerous other examples.