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Career Concerns, Beijing Style

Author

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  • Jiahua Che
  • Kim‐Sau Chung
  • Xue Qiao

Abstract

The China model is increasingly viewed by developing countries as a viable alternative to democracy. China's allegedly merit‐based promotion system is lauded as a secret ingredient of the China model. However, once being promoted to the top, Chinese leaders are as unconstrained as other autocrats. If there are fundamental reasons why other autocrats cannot commit to such a promotion system, why are Chinese leaders any different? We provide a unified theory that accommodates both China and other autocracies by postulating that they coordinate on different equilibria. Both the presence and the absence of political career concerns can arise in equilibrium.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiahua Che & Kim‐Sau Chung & Xue Qiao, 2021. "Career Concerns, Beijing Style," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 62(4), pages 1513-1535, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:62:y:2021:i:4:p:1513-1535
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12523
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