China in 2011: Anger, political consciousness, anxiety, and uncertainty

Abstract

This paper identifies major trends in China in 2011 and analyzes their implications. The past year has witnessed a continuous rise of anger among social groups, as demonstrated in various forms of social protests. Chinese intellectuals are becoming increasingly politically conscious and calling for political reform. However, the leadership is trapped in the politics of power succession; uncertainty is widespread. © 2012 by the Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.