Over the last 20 years change in China has been breathtaking. Reform has affected every facet of life and has left no policy and institution untouched. How did China move from being one of the most isolated nations to being a major international player? Written by a leading expert who has also lived and worked in China, this major new textbook provides a thorough introduction to these changes and to all aspects of politics and governance in China from the revolution of 1949 to the present day.