Abstract:
This dissertation explains variation in authoritarian, single-party states’ ability to implement major policy initiatives to improve economic performance. Successful implementation of major economic upgrading initiatives requires minimum favorable political conditions defined by a strong central leadership, weak elite opposition, and a cohesive public. Variation in the same political factors can also affect incentives for state leaders to carry out coercion of elites and/ or elevate repression of the public. Cases analyzed and compared in the study include three episodes from China’s history since the 1990s, the Soviet Union in the 1980s, and Taiwan under KMT authoritarian rule in the 1970s.
