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The Political Economy Of Tiananmen Square

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  • Gary Shiu
  • Daniel Sutter

Abstract

The authors offer a rational choice explanation of the 1989 Chinese crackdown on peaceful, pro-democracy student protesters in Tiananmen Square. The explanation is based on strategic considerations within the larger context of conflict between the central and provincial governments. The central government's reaction to the student uprising provides information to the provinces regarding its subsequent willingness and ability to use force against a province. They analyze a game-theoretic model illustrating the argument and present evidence documenting the growing central-local rivalry in China. The authors also apply insights from the analysis to other transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Shiu & Daniel Sutter, 1996. "The Political Economy Of Tiananmen Square," Rationality and Society, , vol. 8(3), pages 325-342, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:8:y:1996:i:3:p:325-342
    DOI: 10.1177/104346396008003005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timur Kuran, 1989. "Sparks and prairie fires: A theory of unanticipated political revolution," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 61(1), pages 41-74, April.
    2. Woo Wing Thye, 1994. "The Art of Reforming Centrally Planned Economies: Comparing China, Poland, and Russia," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 276-308, June.
    3. Kreps, David M. & Wilson, Robert, 1982. "Reputation and imperfect information," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 253-279, August.
    4. Wong, Christine P. W., 1987. "Between plan and market: The role of the local sector in post-mao China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 385-398, September.
    5. North, Douglass C. & Weingast, Barry R., 1989. "Constitutions and Commitment: The Evolution of Institutions Governing Public Choice in Seventeenth-Century England," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 49(4), pages 803-832, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan Henryk Pierskalla, 2010. "Protest, Deterrence, and Escalation: The Strategic Calculus of Government Repression," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 54(1), pages 117-145, February.
    2. Daniel Sutter, 2000. "The Transition from Authoritarian Rule," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 12(1), pages 67-89, January.

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