Suzanne Pepper Keeping Democracy at Bay

Annotation

This thoroughly researched study provides an invaluable account of Hong Kongs political evolution from its founding as a British colony to the present. Exploring the interplay between colonial, capitalist, communist, and democratic forces in shaping Hong Kongs political institutions and culture, Suzanne Pepper offers a fresh perspective on the territorys development and a gripping account of the transition from British to Chinese rule.The author carries her narrative forward through the lives of significant figures, capturing the personalities and issues central to understanding Hong Kongs political history. Bringing a balanced view to her often contentious subject, she places Hong Kongs current partisan debates between democrats and their opponents within the context of Chinas ongoing search for a viable political form. The book considers Beijings increasing intervention in local affairs and focuses on the challenge for Hong Kongs democratic reformers in an environment where ultimate political power resides with the communist-led mainland government and its appointees.