Institutional Change and the Political Transition in Hong Kong (International Political Economy Series)

The arrangements governing Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's political, bureaucratic and legal institutions have been made with little regard for public concerns or popular support. The fragility of these institutions raises the central question of how they will be able to function effectively and legitimately in the post-handover period, a question which has broader implications for the economic future of the territory. This book addresses these issues from three perspectives. The first deals with public opinion on institutional arrangements, voting systems and political parties. The second focuses on current problems facing the executive, legislature, bureaucracy and legal system. The third part considers the wider issue of the effects of Chinese rule on the broader social and economic context in which Hong Kong's institutions will, or will not, function. He concludes with a discussion of possible scenarios in the evolution of relations between the Special Administrative Region and the central Chinese government.