1st Edition

Governing the Commons in China

By Yan Zhang Copyright 2017
282 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

282 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

282 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

The idea of 'the commons' is a long-standing concept in the English-speaking world and in English law. A similar concept occurs in China. How different from or similar to the English idea of ‘the commons’ is the idea in China; and how is the concept applied? This book explores this important subject. It examines the subject from a philosophical and theoretical perspective; considers ‘the commons’... Read more

Introduction: seeing in the commons

 

PART I: Theoretical framework

1 Commons: origin, theory and dilemma

1.1 Philosophical origins of the commons

1.2 School I: tangible commons – physical resources

1.3 School II: institutional commons – welfare, security and public goods

1.4 School III: intangible commons – culture, identity and social capital

1.5 Conclusion: integrated commons

 

2 Understanding the concept of the commons in China

2.1 What does the commons mean in China?

2.2 Cultural perspectives

2.3 Bureaucracy and the state

2.4 The Commons in history

2.5 Conclusion

3 Crossing the divide

3.1 Is China a unique case?

3.2 Unity, diversity and hope

3.3 Conclusion vi

 

PART II: Empirical evidence from the Lancang River

 

4 Hydropower: saint or sinner?

4.1 Water

4.2 Hydropower development overview

4.3 Anti- dam challenges

4.4 Conclusion: is prosperity without growth possible?

 

5 Water and the great transformation of China

5.1 Water in China

5.2 The great transformation of China

5.3 Policy and reform

5.4 Conclusion

 

6 A portrait of the locality along the Lancang Valley

6.1 Institutional framework

6.2 Intangible nexus

6.3 Conclusion

 

7 The story of HydroLancang

7.1 Electricity and economic development

7.2 Environment and the ecosystem

7.3 Resettlement

7.4 Corporate social responsibilities

7.5 Conclusion

 

Conclusion: governing tianxia by the common spirit: the Grand Union

Biography

Yan Zhang is a Research Associate of Chinese Development at the University of Cambridge, UK, where she completed her Master of Philosophy and doctorate.