Introduction

In contrast to the failure to economic reforms in Eastern Europe, China''s economic reforms have been quite successful. Decollectivization, marketization, state enterprise reforms, and reintegration into the world economy have led to very rapid economic development in China over the past two decades.

These economic reforms, in turn, triggered profound social and political changes. This collection examines the origins, nature, and impact, as well as the future prospects of these reforms and changes.

The contributors are all active researchers from a variety of disciplines, including economics, sociology, political science, and geography.