Ideové východiská a dopady tridsiatich rokov ekonomických a politických reforiem v Číne
Ideological Bbackground and Consequences of Thirty Years of Economic and Political Reforms in China

Summary/Abstract: In December 2008 thirty years have passed since Deng Xiaoping’s reforms started. This article evaluates the ideas behind Deng’s reforms, their outcomes and political environment in which they had been carried out. The article applies a chronological approach. Generally, four periods of reforms can be identified in China. The first wave of reforms started after Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Second wave started in early 1980’s after the aftermath of Tiananmen Incident. The third and fourth waves are post-Deng reforms started by Deng’s successors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. The article examines each period individually. It also compares them and their outcomes. Methodologically the article utilizes a holistic approach found in works of Professor McDougall and Professor Lin. For purpose of analysis of first and second waves of reforms, the article applies the Shils’s Theory of Modernization, Przeworski’s Theory of Game and Linz’s Theory of Authoritarian Regime. In this article the primary objects of analysis are economic and political aspects of the Chinese reforms. International, strategic and military dimensions of the reforms are also mentioned with less emphasis. These dimensions are also a significant part of the Chinese program of continued reforms and holistic approach. It is the finding of this article that thirty years of reforms started by Deng Xiaoping have been a general success, which improved international standing of China to a level of a regional power and aspiring global power. The qualities of life of Chinese citizens improved significantly and by over 100 millions of people have been raised out of poverty. China became the third largest World economy and overtook Germany. There are still many areas China needs to improve by the continuing reform. The human rights are most quoted; however, it is the corruption and rule of law, which need to be improved first. China’s low level corruption causes the most trouble for the Chinese economy and Chinese citizens. This issue needs to be addressed. As F. Zakaria and Przeworski argue, the constitutional liberalism is necessary prophase before the liberal democracy can be established. The Chinese government is very cautious of any political reform. The economy and social stability are the main objectives in fourth wave of reforms. The regional economic disparity is being addressed and low level governance has also been emphasized. Deng’s and post-Deng’s reforms and ideologically unbiased pragmatism have brought a significant improvement in general for all Chinese citizens. There are still many issues to be addressed in order for China to reach the level of the post-industrialized nations of EU, Japan or USA. China has overtaken Germany and has become the third largest economy. However, China still has a long road to go to reach the average quality of life in Germany for its citizens.

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