The book is a must read for students and scholars specializing in domestic governance and politics of China.

Journal of Chinese Political Science

This study is a major contribution to the understanding of the Chinese party-state as an adaptive political system. The contributors provide important insights into the role of legal reform, the management of center-local relationships, and other key issues of ongoing governance innovation in Xi Jinping’s ‘new era.’

Brantly Womack, University of Virginia

The analysis is sharp, the assessment is balanced, and the insights are profound. This volume, written by experts of Chinese affairs, is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the nature and prospects of government innovation and policy change under Xi Jinping.

He Li, Merrimack College

This volume brings together a number of well-known specialists to consider and re-consider local governance in China. Xi Jinping has made it clear that he is opposed to electoral democracy of any kind, including so-called ‘intraparty democracy,’ but does that mean there is no public participation or consideration of public opinion in the making of public policy at the local level? This volume explores state efforts to promote policy (‘top-level design’), public opinion, and new approaches to local governance. This will make an important contribution to the field.

Joseph Fewsmith, Boston University