The Chinese: Adapting the Past, Facing the Future

Much has happened in China since 1986, when the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan published the first edition of this text under the title The Chinese: Adapting the Past, Building the Future. The changes in China since 1986 have altered the balance between state and society and between the formal system of official control and the informal means of getting things done. In light of these developments, when the editors gathered to consider publication of a second edition, they came to two conclusions. First, its original rationale had become even more persuasive. Second, the editors concluded that the new edition had to take into account recent events. And that necessitated substantial alterations to the original edition, especially in the sections devoted to politics and the future. [xv-xvi]

Robert F. DERNBERGER was Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Michigan.

Kenneth J DeWoskin is Professor Emeritus of Chinese language and Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at the University of Michigan.