Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise

It was long assumed that as China embraced open markets and private enterprise, its state-controlled economy would fall by the wayside as free markets would inevitably lead to a more liberal society. Instead, China’s growth over the past four decades has positioned state capitalism as a durable foil to the orthodoxy of free markets, to the confusion of many in the West. This thoroughly researched assessment shows how China’s economic success continues to be shaped by the communist ideology of Chairman Mao.

BUY NOW:

More Details

A thoroughly researched assessment of how China’s economic success continues to be shaped by the communist ideology of Chairman Mao

Christopher Marquis and Kunyuan Qiao argue that China’s economic success is based on—not in spite of—the continuing influence of Communist leader Mao Zedong. They illustrate how Mao’s ideological principles, mass campaigns, and socialist institutions have enduringly influenced Chinese entrepreneurs’ business strategies and the management of their ventures. Grounded in case studies and quantitative analyses, this book shows that while private enterprise is the engine of China’s growth, Chinese companies see no contradictions between commercial drive and a dedication to Maoist ideology.

Selected as a Best Book of 2022 by the Financial Times

QUOTES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mao and Markets is an important blueprint for understanding how to do businesses in China. It is intellectually well-grounded and offers important and practical advice for business leaders hoping to succeed in the Chinese market.

The authors illuminate a little-understood and often neglected aspect of modern China—the pervasive influence of Mao and Maoism in the country’s supposedly capitalist business empires.

Mao and Markets is a richly detailed and timely book. It is well-researched and thought-provoking, shedding light on not only Chinese business and entrepreneurship, but also politics, political leadership and how different generations of leaders will affect the future of China.

Capitalism and communism are entwined in China. Mao and Markets illuminates the connections between the history of the Chinese Communist Party and early leaders to the current Chinese economy and society. It will give insights not only to those who do business in China, but also for those interested in the nature of Chinese nationalism.