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Regional Governance Under The Nationalism Background

Posted on:2008-05-28Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:Z W ZhuFull Text:PDF
GTID:1116360215956938Subject:Political Theory
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
To comprehend the problems and issues that arise from the management of autonomous regions populated largely by minorities is a huge and pressing task, especially in border areas. There is an urgent need to explore possible reform measures and to improve the administrative system of these areas in light of both theory and practice. This paper analyzes the relationship between the central government and the Xinjiang local authorities over different periods of time. By reviewing the system of government and the historical events that have taken place since the Qing Dynasty, and by analyzing the concrete structures and political affairs, this paper focuses on the format and operational features of the local government. On the basis of the experiences and lessons drawn from governing the region in different historical periods, this paper shall make some management proposals for achieving long-lasting stability in Xinjiang.Consisting of an introduction, a main section, a conclusion and an appendix, this paper has six chapters, of which the content is as follows:The first chapter investigates Qing governmental rule in Xinjiang, which consisted of two main phases, namely, a phase of military government, and a phase of civil administration. As a syncretic organization, the military government took up both military and civil functions. Using the guideline of "rule according to the particularities of place" and "rule according to the particularities of local custom," the Qing emperor set up three different administration systems depending on the different features of localities and ethnicities: the county system, the Mengqi system (also known as the "Zhasake system") and the Boke system. In 1884, in response to the chaning circumstances, the Qing government "sent officers to Xinjiang," incorporating Xinjiang into the provincial administration of the Qing empire.Chapter Two examines the administration of Xinjiang during the period of the Chinese Republic. Due to the fact that this era is characterized by conflicts between warlords, the central government exercized only limited control over the area. Within Xinjiang, the successive warlords named Yang Zenxin, Jin Shuren, and Sheng Shicai implemented different governmental measures, seeking to achieve unrealistic political objectives.Chapter Three investigates the administration of Xinjiang when the PRC was first established. The peaceful liberation of the area paved the way for its administration. Besides the implementation of democratic measures and a series of social reforms, the founding of the Xinjiang Production-Constraction-Military-Teams and the Food-accumulation and Border-Guarding Scheme played important roles in the administration of Xinjiang.Chapter Four explores Xinjiang's administration during the period of Constitutional development. CCP's policy regarding minorities moved from 'self-determination' to 'self-government' or autonomy. The "Constitution of the PRC" implemented in 1954 prescribed that "the minor nationalities shall exercise autonomy in places where they inhabit," which marked the legalization of the CCP's policy regarding minorities.Chapter Five probes the administration of Xinjiang during the "Cultural Revolution." The social instability during this period caused a serious crisis in Xinjiang's administration, which in turn affected the development of the Xinjiang Production-Construction-Military-Teams, and brought about a series of further problems and conflicts.Chapter Six focuses on the administration of Xinjiang after the Cultural Revolution. When the Cultural Revolution had ended, Xinjiang entered a new era of development by "retrial of cases of misjustice" and "the restoration of right as right." With a spirit of "minorities united together" and the guiding of Minority Autonomy Law, Xinjiang's autonomy system was perfected and all courses regarding nationalities achieve great development. More importantly, Xinjiang's Production-Construction-Military-Teams' position and power as a force ensuring Xinjiang's stability were restored and further developed. Yet, the separationist activities of the "East Turkestan Islamic Movement" are affecting the stability and development of Xinjiang.This paper concludes with an analysis of the history and the views mentioned above. There are five points to be made. 1. Ever since Qing Dynasty, although central governments have governed Xinjiang through various administrative systems, they all adhered to the principles of Nationalism, adherence to the consolidation of the nation, and opposition to separation. 2. Every country should choose the administrative format and system that best matches its own characteristics, and its own political and economic circumstances. Self-determination and the idea of a federation do not accord with the basic fact that China is a united country of many nationalities; minority nationality has made a great contribution to the stability and development of Xinjiang. 3. The tensions between central government and local minority administration are not only about political behavior, but also about regional conflict of interests; therefore ensuring the economic interest of the residents of the region should be the basis of social stability and development. 4. The differences in the religious beliefs, customs, and cultural practice create conflicts and contradictions. To deal with such conflicts objectively should be a primary condition of sustaining the stability of the autonomous regions. 5. To realize a long-lasting stability in Xinjiang, minority autonomy should be transformed into minority self-administration guided by modern political science theory.
Keywords/Search Tags:Nationalism, State Integration, Equality of nationalities, Comity of nationalities Nationality, Autonomy
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