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Hong Kong

The Perils of Semidemocracy

This article by William H. Overholt, “Hong Kong: The Perils of Semidemocracy,” follows Hong Kong through its 1997 transition from British to Chinese rule and the consequences of this new “executive-led government” created by Beijing, London and Hong Kong’s local business establishment. The article highlights the progress that Hong Kong has already made toward democratization as well as systemic progress yet to be made, such as school, housing and civil service reform. The issue of Chinese sovereignty as well as Hong Kong’s difficulty in reforming itself is discussed in light of the country’s desire for rapid economic growth and democratization. Despite the formidable challenges that Hong Kong face after its political transition, Dr. Overholt offers hopeful signs for not only Hong Kong but China as well.

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Document Details

Copyright: Johns Hopkins University Press
Availability: Web-Only
Pages: 14
Document Number: RP-1179
Year: 2001
Series: Reprints

Originally published in: Journal of Democracy, v. 12, no. 4, October 2001, pp. 5-18.

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