Transforming Asian Socialism: China and Vietnam Compared

(Hardback)

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Close to a decade after the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the communist parties of China and Vietnam are not only surviving but are firmly in control. Both countries have moved decidedly away from the state-planned economies their governments championed for decades. They are now "market economies" and can look with some satisfaction to their recent records of economic performance. Yet, unlike their European counterparts, they have made this t5ransition without undergoing major political upheavals. Arguing that an understanding of the similarities and differences among communist countries provides valuable insights into their momentous transformations, this comprehensive volume compares recent changes in China and Vietnam. Exploring the economic, political and social effects of reform programmes, the chapters pair leading Vietnam and China scholars in a genuinely comparative analysis. Finding similarities - and unexpected differences - the authors conclude that Vietnam often has forged its own path rather than following the Chinese model.

Reviews

A wonderfully successful effort at collaboration that not only fulfills its methodological goals, but which is full of insights. . . . This is an extremely worthwhile book that specialists and teachers alike will find very useful. I recommend it highly. * Journal of Asian Studies *
As a comparative reader, the book has much to offer in the way of content. Each chapter covers a particular aspect of the transitions in China and Vietnam, in which certain leitmotifs stand out across essays. * China Review International *

Author Bio

Anita Chan is an Australian Research Council Senior Research Fellow hosted by The Australian National University and co-editor of the China Journal. Benedict J. Tria Kerkvliet is head of the Department of Political and Social Change at The Australian National University.