The Strength of the Chinese State

The podcast delves into the impressive state capacity of China, which has long been a topic of fascination for social scientists. The discussion emphasizes how the Chinese government effectively exerts control over various aspects of citizens' lives, such as implementing policies on family planning and vaccination programs. The strength of the Chinese state raises critical questions about the mechanisms that can limit such a powerful authority, particularly in a non-democratic context. This inquiry leads to an exploration of how economic and social dynamics can serve as constraints on the state, ensuring that government actions benefit society as a whole.