China’s Cooperative Capitalists:The Business End of Civil Society

Bruce DicksonGeorge Washington University

Dimensions of Civil Society

Civil Society I Economic dynamic Non-critical realm Stability/support

Civil Society II Political dynamic Critical realm Opposition/threat

No evidence that China’s capitalists support regime change

CorporatismState Corporatism

Authoritarian context

Societal Corporatism Democratic context

Corporatist elements in China diminishing

CCP StrategyNot a passive actor

Promoted expansion of private sector

Close integration of CCP and private sector “red capitalists” Appointments to political posts Business associations

Cooperation and support consistent with civil society I perspective

CharityControlled by CCP

Local charity groups Mobilization of CCP members

Few incentives

“charity begins at home”

Questions If CCP’s pro-business, pro-reform priorities

change, will private entrepreneurs’ support also decline?

Do large firms share same interests and goals as small and medium size firms?

How will “Fifth Generation” leaders influence CCP-private sector relationship?