The Chinese government has increasingly adopted the rhetoric of democracy to describe its political system, claiming in a 2005 white paper that the “building of democracy with Chinese characteristics is progressing with the times and exhibiting great vigor and vitality.” At the same time, Chinese officials claim that their country is not yet developed enough to support democratic institutions such as a free press, independent trade unions, and nationwide elections.

How do we explain the contradiction between Chinese rhetoric and the absence of political reform? What can we learn from the examples of other recently democratized countries in Asia and around the world? Are there specific economic and institutional triggers that release the forces of political liberalization? On April 18, AEI will hold a panel discussion on these and other questions related to China’s future as part of the “Whither Democratization in China” seminar series.