CHINESEDEMOCRACY

Chinese Perceptions of Democracy

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Whether or not China can evolve peacefully from a one-party state into a modern democracy is a critical question for China and for the rest of the world. As its economy is predicted to catch up with the US in size in another decade or two, this issue becomes even more important globally. Chinese leaders often speak of democracy as a long-term goal, but exactly what they mean by the term is usually left unclear, and censorship of the media in China means that open public debate on the issue is not yet possible. Differences between the EU and China over human rights in recent years have exposed a huge gulf between Chinese and Europeans in terms of political values. This can often result in serious disruption, as happened last December with the cancellation of a China-EU summit. To many Chinese the legitimacy of the one-party state is justified by its outstanding sustained performance in terms of fast economic growth over 30 years. A recent survey has shown that a high percentage of support for democratic values in China is paralleled by a high percentage of satisfaction with the current authoritarian regime. This project, carried out by one of China's top think tanks, CASS, in partnership with one of Europe's leading centres for research on China, will examine this apparent contradiction by exploring Chinese perceptions of democracy through document analysis and in-depth interviews. The aim is to predict the direction of Chinese political reforms by investigating the perceptions of democracy held by different segments of Chinese society and exploring the differences between their perceptions and those of Europeans. This project will help the EU and its member states to develop more effective engagement strategies towards China and other authoritarian regimes. It is also part of a comprehensive plan to expand the China Policy Institute at Nottingham into Europe's main centre for the study of political reform and democratization in China.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team surveyed attitudes to democracy among Chinese people. The study examined three strata of Chinese society, in several Chinese locations, and assessed support for liberalisation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Many European universities have strong interests in issues affecting China, in addition to research relationships with Chinese organisations. One critical topic is that of democracy, and the likelihood of China ever attaining it.

The EU-funded project 'Chinese perceptions of democracy' (CHINESEDEMOCRACY) was a collaboration between the University of Nottingham and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The goals of the two-year study were to examine Chinese perceptions of democracy via interviews, and to predict the direction of Chinese political reforms. The undertaking concluded in December 2013.

Project partners conducted field interviews in China, over several phases. The pilot survey began in early 2012, centred on three Chinese cities. The purpose was to assess the interviewees' responses to the research topics and questions. Thirteen interviews were conducted.

The project held an expanded round of interviews later that year in five Chinese provinces. The team conducted 62 interviews, surveying 3 social levels: government officials, business owners and the 'lower classes'. The information was used for qualitative analysis and questionnaire redesign.

Between March and September 2013, the project questioned a sample of entrepreneurs. Around 300 individuals responded. The data were analysed quantitatively to assess factors affecting the respondents' attitudes towards support for the state and political liberalisation.

Late completion of the analysis resulted in a planned conference presentation being cancelled. The reason for the delay was the political sensitivity of the topic. A revised version of the proposed paper containing policy recommendations was planned for submission to the Chinese government and other Chinese agencies.

The results of the CHINESEDEMOCRACY study helped to enhance the reputation of Nottingham University's School of Contemporary Chinese Studies. The information obtained will also help EU and other agencies address policy and business issues relevant to China.