Xiao MA / Oxford University Press / 2022年06月03日
"Localized Bargaining: The Political Economy of China's High-Speed Railway Program"一书由Xiao MA撰写,深入探讨了中国高速铁路计划的推出。此书揭示了这一人类历史上最大的基础设施项目之一的政治与经济层面,分析了地方政府如何与中央政府在高速铁路项目的规划和实施中进行博弈。书中详细阐述了地方政府如何通过各种策略争取更多的资源和利益,以及这种博弈如何影响了高速铁路网络的建设和运营。此外,该书还探讨了中国高速铁路项目对地方经济、城市发展和社会变革的深远影响。对于理解中国政治经济以及基础设施投资的决策过程,这本书提供了宝贵的见解。
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Chapter 1: Introduction
**Overview of the Book**: This chapter provides a general introduction to the book, stating its main argument that localized bargaining plays a significant role in China's high-speed railway (HSR) development.
**The Rationale behind Chinese HSR Development**: Discusses the motivation for investing in HSRs, including economic growth, regional integration, and national pride.
**Policy Making and Execution**: Outlines the interplay between central and local governments as well as private actors in shaping policy and overseeing implementation of the HSR projects.
Key Points
China's HSR ambition is driven by multifaceted goals.
Localized bargaining involves negotiations between various levels of government and stakeholders.
The book examines the political economy behind HSR planning and execution.
**From Slow to Fast Tracks**: Traces the history of Chinese railways from traditional slow trains to the modern HSR system.
**Policy Shifts and Institutional Reforms**: Analyzes how policy changes and institutional reforms laid the groundwork for the rapid expansion of HSR.
**Growth through Competition**: Describes the competition among different regions and companies to participate in HSR projects.
Chapter 2: The Evolution of China's Railway Industry
Key Points
The transformation of Chinese railways was accompanied by institutional innovations.
Competition in the sector has fostered technological advancement and capacity building.
Policy initiatives have been instrumental in directing resources and investments into HSR.
**The Central Government's Role**: Examines the role of the central government in setting overall strategy, providing funding, and ensuring project alignment with national objectives.
**Local Governments' Interests**: Discusses how local governments leverage HSR projects for territorial development and improved mobility.
**Bargaining and Negotiations**: Explores the process of localized bargaining, where local priorities negotiate with central directives.
Chapter 3: Central and Local Dynamics
Key Points
The central government steers the national HSR strategy but allows local adaptations.
Local governments seek to maximize benefits from HSR investments.
Balancing central control and local autonomy leads to localized negotiation processes.
**Success Stories**: Provides several case studies where localized bargaining led to the successful completion of HSR lines.
**Challenges Faced**: Analyzes instances where negotiations encountered obstacles and how these were overcome.
**Outcomes and Implication**: Evaluates the outcomes of various bargaining processes and their implications for the broader political economy.
Chapter 4: Case Studies in Localized Negotiation
Key Points
Detailed case studies illustrate the complexities involved in localized bargaining.
Despite challenges, successful outcomes often reflect the ability to compromise and align interests.
The resolution of conflicts and the success of HSR projects can inform future policymaking.
**Economic Growth**: Assess the effects of HSR on regional economies through enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times.
**Spatial Restructuring**: Examine how the HSR network influences urbanization patterns and the location of economic activities.
**Social Inclusion**: Discusses the potential for HSR to improve social mobility and accessibility.
Chapter 5: Economic Impact and Social Change
Key Points
HSR contributes to economic growth by improving transportation efficiency.
The expansion of HSR networks reshapes regional economic landscapes.
There are potential social benefits such as increased mobility and reduced inequality.
**Reflections on the Findings**: Summarizes the key findings of the book regarding the political economy of localized bargaining within China's HSR program.
**Implications for Theory and Practice**: Discusses the broader theoretical implications of the research and offers practical suggestions for similar large-scale infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
Key Points
The book offers insights into the political economy of infrastructure development in China.
Theoretical and empirical findings can guide future strategic investments and policy design.