In the Xi Jinping era, it has become clear that the rule of law, as understood in the West, will not appear in China soon. But was this ever a likely option? This book argues China's legal system needs to be studied from an internal perspective, to take into account the characteristic architecture of China's Party-state. To do so, it addresses two key elements: ideology and organisation. Part One of the book discusses ideology and the law, exploring how the Chinese Communist Party conceives of the nature of law and its position within its broader range of policy tools. Part Two, on organisation and the law, reviews how these ideological principles manifest themselves in the application of law, as well as the reform of the Party-state. As such, it highlights how the Party's plans and approaches run counter to mainstream theoretical expectations, and advocates a greater attention to the inherent logic of the system itself.

‘All those who are interested in fundamental questions about what the CCP represents and why it rules the way it does will find reading this collection an enriching journey.’

Juan Wang Source: The China Quarterly

‘The book’s detailed and rich account of governance and political architecture in China under Xi Jinping and its focus on law, ideology and party-state organisation is its most notable contribution.’

Samir Forić Source: Europe-Asia Studies