State rescaling, policy experimentation and path dependency in post-Mao China: a dynamic analytical framework

Lim, Kean Fan

Abstract

This paper evaluates the applicability of the state rescaling framework for framing politico-economic evolution in China. It then presents an analytical framework that examines institutional change as driven by the dynamic entwinement of state rescaling, place-specific policy experimentation and institutional path dependency. The framework problematizes simple ‘transition’ models that portray a mechanistic ‘upward’ or ‘downward’ reconfiguration of regulatory relations after market-like rule was instituted in 1978. It emphasizes, instead, a more established pattern of development marked simultaneously by geographically distinct (and enduring) institutional forms and experimental (and capricious) attempts to transcend them.

Citation

Lim, K. F. (in press). State rescaling, policy experimentation and path dependency in post-Mao China: a dynamic analytical framework. Regional Studies, 51(10), https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2017.1330539

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 29, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Jun 26, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 18, 2017
• Journal: Regional Studies
• Print ISSN: 0034-3404
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-0591
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2017.1330539
• Keywords: China; political economy; state rescaling; policy experimentation; path-dependency
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/868442
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00343404.2017.1330539
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Regional Studies on 26 June 2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/00343404.2017.1330539