Minxin Pei, "The Sentinel State: Surveillance and the Survival of Dictatorship in China" (Harvard UP, 2024)
New Books Network
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The Evolution of China's Surveillance State
This chapter explores the development and complexities of China's surveillance system, tracing its roots from historical practices in imperial China to modern tactics influenced by Soviet and Western models. It discusses the balancing act between low-tech, human-driven monitoring and cutting-edge technology, highlighting the role of informants and the party bureaucracy. Additionally, the chapter examines the relationship between economic growth and the expansion of surveillance capabilities, revealing the challenges faced by democratic movements in the face of state repression.
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