Political Change in Macao

Since the handover to the People's Republic of China in 1999 Macao has undergone a multi-faceted transformation marked by persistent bureaucratic reforms, changing patterns and modes of political participation, internationalization and modernization, and competition and coordination with Macao’s neighbouring cities. In this original and stimulating analysis of the status of political life in Macao, Sonny Lo examines the Portuguese legacy and the transition from the Portuguese administration to the legitimacy-building efforts of the new Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government.

This book also includes fascinating discussion of:

• the governing philosophy of the new Chief Executive Edmund Ho and the dynamic economic development resulting from this
• the changes in citizen participation
• the reforms directed at the bureaucracy
• the management of casino franchise and operations
• the changing political economy of regional rivalries and coordination, including relations with Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Shenzhen
• organized crime in Macao

As a comprehensive study of this unique city, Political Change in Macao will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in Chinese studies, Asian politics and the theoretical and practical dimensions of political change.

Awarded the first class prize by the Macao Foundation in October 2009

Sonny Lo is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Waterloo, Canada.