This is a critical look at China's official policy of `building a moderately well-off society' and an analysis of a viable vision of xiaokang (meaning `moderate prosperity) socialism. Aiming at demonstrating the logic of Chinese transformation and refutation of modernity in its capitalist form, this book builds an alternative model with direct policy implications.


Stimulating and provocative, this monograph includes analysis of Confucian roots of Chinese development, Maoist socialism and the road to neoliberalism, and sections on work, citizenship, ecology and democracy. It is a well-researched and thoughtful contribution to the political debate currently swirling over the developing world's most dynamic economy.