This authoritative text captures the dynamism of Chinese politics and society. Elizabeth Larus begins with a broad sweep of China¿s modern history¿from the imperial era to the present¿providing essential context for understanding the current political environment. She then makes sense of the dramatic political, social, and economic changes that have occurred across some six decades. The result is a rich and detailed analysis that is both thought-provoking and accessible, appropriate for students at all levels.