The Origins of Reform and Opening in China

Chen Jian and Odd Arne Westad examine the political, social, and international factors that produced China's reform and opening era, focusing on policy debates and key actors.

The book analyzes both domestic drivers and external conditions that enabled China's rapid economic transformation beginning in the late 1970s.

It highlights contrasts with Soviet reform trajectories and shows how grassroots economic changes complemented top‑down initiatives.

Drawing on archival research and first‑hand experience, the authors trace how unintended global economic shifts intersected with Chinese policy choices.

The work situates China's opening within broader global economic and political contexts, explaining its long‑term consequences.