Understanding the China miracle from the paradigm of realm economics

PurposeThe core of the micro–macro paradigm of mainstream Western economics is the assumption that a rational economic man with complete freedom of economic behaviors living in a fully competitive, free-market economy pursues maximum personal benefits. The purpose of this paper is to show the reasons for failure of mainstream Western economics explaining the “mystery of China’s economic growth” and the necessity of understanding the mystery from the paradigm of realm economics.Design/methodology/approachThe system of socialism with Chinese characteristics led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the local governments that play a crucial role in the reform and opening-up has the realm attribute. It is necessary to develop a new paradigm for realm economic analysis and promote the creation of new economic globalization and international political and economic order.FindingsAccording to the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, “Since the New China was founded 70 years ago, our Party has led our people to create the rarely-seen miracle of rapid economic development and miracle of long-term social stability”. The authors find that it is effective and necessary to explain the miracle of China’s economic growth from the paradigm of realm economics.Originality/valueAs proven by practice, the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the governance system of China are guided by Marxism, rooted in China with a deep Chinese cultural foundation, and sincerely supported by the people.

Policy, Legality and Rule of law: The Jurisprudence Thinking for the Management Mode of Religious Affairs in China

The management of religious affairs has the mode of “Policy”, “Legality”, “Rule of Law” and so on. In the past reformed 40 years, China's religious management policy has a consistent content, and the policy has always held the highest position in the management of religious affairs at all levels of government. Since the 1990s, religious administration has been "legalized" gradually. The implementation of the Religious Affairs Ordinance issued in 2004 marked the management mode of religious affairs in China entered the era that managing religious affairs according to regulations. In 2014, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPP Central Committee proposed "Integration Building for Rule of Law Country, Rule of Law Government and Rule of Law Society ". In 2016, the National Conference on Religious Work proposed “Improving the Rule of Law in Religious Work ", Rule of Law has become the goal of religious affairs management. Rule of law in religion has factors such as "Rights Protection”, “Separation of Church and State ","Public Power Restriction" and so on. The management of religious affairs in China needs to go beyond the traditional mode such as "Policy" and "Legality". The "Rule of Law" mode of Good Law and Good Governance is the inevitable choice.

Three new FAR research projects: what’s going to happen?

The 2017 call for research proposals resulted in twelve submitted proposals. Seven projects were eventually selected for a grant from the FAR.[i]During the conference, three of these seven FAR-studies were presented. The FAR-board aims at striking a balance in selecting research proposals, in order to optimize both practical and academic usefulness of the studies. Therefore, a multi-method, multi-theme mix also makes up the 2017 ‘cohort’ of studies. The fourth plenary session of the conference is a sample of the broad set of studies that currently make up the FAR research portfolio, with projects grounded in, for example, economics, accounting and psychology and using archival and (field) experimental methods.   Mark Peecher, Joseph Gerakos, and Jeroen Suijs successively presented the research proposals of their projects. Below you will find a short summary of the accepted research proposals they presented during the conference, to provide insight into these planned studies, as well as a short summary of the discussion with the participants.   Note [i]An overview of the FAR research projects can be found at: http://foundationforauditingresearch.org/far-research-projects/  

An examination of judicial independence in China

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider and evaluate judicial independence in China, through reviewing the value in its presence, assessing its current state in China and evaluating what the future holds for it. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the benefits of judicial independence in its support of the rule of law. Following this, an evaluation of the current independence of the judiciary in China is presented. The reforms of the judiciary in the Fourth Plenary Session and the outlook for judicial independence in China are assessed. Findings The paper finds that judicial independence in China cannot be said to exist, being vulnerable to influence from a variety of sources. There is, however, progress observed, and this is expected to continue. Originality/value This paper’s consideration of judicial independence in China and its outlook are framed with discussions of the relationships between judicial independence and the rule of law, and the Chinese state and the rule of law. The paper should thus contribute to discussion of the development trajectory of China in this important facet.

The Fourth Plenum of the CPC Makes an Important Decision on Law Reform in China

During the Fourth Plenary Session of the 13th Communist Party of China (CPC) Congress, a new and important reform document was adopted. Announcing reforms mainly in the juridical sector, the 'Decision of the CPC Central Committee Concerning Some Major Questions in Comprehensively Moving Governing the Country According to the Law Forward' is part of the overall reform package kicked off at the Third Plenum last year. This article points out the document's main objectives, and provides a preliminary analysis of the announced reforms. Three main themes are identified. First, the document is part of the overall goal of developing a special Chinese system of 'socialism with Chinese characteristics'. Second, not only institutions but also the minds and work styles of officials are to be reformed. Third, the document strongly affirms the CPC's role as the legal guardian of the reform process, as well as juridical matters.