Thomas Heberer

Bio: Thomas Heberer is an academic researcher from University of Duisburg-Essen. The author has contributed to research in topics: China & Politics. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 110 publications receiving 1262 citations.

Fifty Years On: The ‘Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution’ In the Age of the Internet—Still Haunting China

Abstract: This article takes as its starting point the current discussion in China about how to assess the Cultural Revolution ( CR ) of 1966–1976 and whether it might recur in one form or another. For readers unfamiliar with this movement, we first present an overview of its origins, course and consequences. Since this modern Chinese trauma is inseparable from the political views and objectives of its initiator, Mao Zedong, the latter’s role will also be addressed. Second, we will show that while the CR is indeed officially a largely unaddressed and under-researched issue in China (frequently described as a taboo), it nevertheless remains the subject of an intensive, ongfoing debate, particularly on the Internet. To illustrate this, we will examine recent public discourse in China to show that a societal reconstruction of collective memory about lessons learned and notions of a recurrence of the CR is actually taking place in a new social space in the form of ‘connective action’. Third, we will enlarge on whether there are indications of the emergence of a new CR under the leadership of Xi Jinping. We conclude that despite leftist voices there are no real indications that the Cultural Revolution will be repeated.

No. 46 (2002): Strategische Gruppen und Staatskapazität: Das Beispiel der Privatunternehmer in China

Abstract: This paper at first addresses the concept of strategic groups and the interests of those groups. Hereafter, it will identify their transformational and strategic potentials. Finally, it will discuss in which manner entrepreneurs impact upon state capacity. Its concern is not the question how reforms alter state capacity, but rather in which way one group of actors (in this case private entrepreneurs) contributes to this process of change. Unless we do understand the role of social actors in terms of changing state capacity, we will not be able to sketch out in which manner the state is changing. The hypothesis that will have to be verified is whether or not the strategic groups of entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the alteration of the structures and capacity of the state. The entrepreneurs' strategy is interest-led as they act in the interest of realizing their expectations. This does not mean that thus the political system is fundamentally put into question or weakened. Furthermore, entrepreneurs on the one hand contribute to the reinforcement of state capacity, on the other hand they make efforts to steer it in a certain direction. Before drawing any conclusion on entrepreneurs impact on state capacity the paper will examine the goals and the transformational potential of the strategic groups of entrepreneurs.

Einleitung: Wahlen und Regierbarkeit im globalen Rahmen

Abstract: In unserer westlichen Perzeption gelten freie und faire Wahlen als Qualitatsmerkmal demokratischer Verfahren in der Politik. Dies gilt fur den politikwissenschaftlichen ebenso wie fur den Blick der allgemeinen politischen Offentlichkeit. Mit Wahlen konnotieren wir ein Recht auf Mitbestimmung, eine Teilhabe (Partizipation), ein Verfahren, das zur Legitimierung politischer Macht notwendig ist und eine gewisse Transparenz bei der Bestimmung der Reprasentanten des Volkes bietet. Wenn Wahlen in Landern eingefuhrt werden, in denen politische Macht zuvor anders legitimiert wurde — etwa durch Ernennung, qua Erbrecht oder auf ganzlich intransparente Weise — wird dies in der Regel als Schritt zu einer Demokratisierung gewertet.

Grundlagen der Komparatistik

Abstract: Die Komparatistik, hier verstanden als vergleichende Politikwissenschaft, stellt ein zentrales Fachgebiet der Disziplin dar. Sie hat seit jeher verschiedene Weltregionen in den Blick genommen und Fragen nach der Veranderung, der inneren Ausgestaltung, der Persistenz oder auch der Qualitat von politischen Systemen und Verfahren gestellt. Um dies in solider Weise tun zu konnen, bedarf sie der regionalwissenschaftlichen Expertise, oder, wie es heute meist heist, der Expertise aus den area studies. So konnen etwa Vergleiche von Partizipationsformen, den Beziehungen zwischen Staat und Gesellschaft oder der Legitimitat eines politischen Regimes, die Ostasien in den Fokus nehmen, nur dann substanzielle Ergebnisse zutage fordern, wenn der Untersuchung ein Minimum an kulturellen, sprachlichen und historischen Kenntnissen zugrunde liegt. Dies gilt auch in methodischer Hinsicht, fur quantitativ ebenso wie fur qualitativ oder triangular/methodisch gemischt ausgerichtete Studien. Diese Beziehung zwischen der Disziplin der Politikwissenschaft und den area studies ist mittlerweile weitgehend akzeptiert – vor allem, wenn es um sog. small-n-Studien, d. h. Untersuchungen mit relativ wenigen Vergleichsfallen geht.

Democracy and Its Critics

Abstract: The course is focused on historical texts, most of them philosophical. Context for understanding the texts and the course of democratic development will be provided in lecture and discussions, and by some background readings (Dunn). We begin with the remarkable Athenian democracy, and its frequent enemy the Spartan oligarchy. In Athens legislation was passed directly by an assembly of all citizens, and executive officials were selected by lot rather than by competitive election. Athenian oligarchs such as Plato more admired Sparta, and their disdain for the democracy became the judgment of the ages, until well after the modern democratic revolutions. Marsilius of Padua in the early Middle Ages argued for popular sovereignty. The Italian citystates of the Middle Ages did without kings, and looked back to Rome and Greece for republican models. During the English Civil War republicans debated whether the few or the many should be full citizens of the regime. The English, French, and American revolutions struggled with justifying and establishing a representative democracy suitable for a large state, and relied on election rather than lot to select officials. The English established a constitutional monarchy, admired in Europe, and adapted by the Americans in their republican constitution. The American Revolution helped inspire the French, and the French inspired republican and democratic revolution throughout Europe during the 19 century.

Seeing like a State.

Abstract: It’s been a long time since academic discussions about research and teaching were part of the board meetings of the department of Anthropology and Sociology of the University of Amsterdam. Most of our meetings today deal with administrative problems [...]

Campanha de prevenção do câncer bucal em Araraquara: uma iniciativa de extensão consolidada em 11 anos de experiência

Abstract: The authors present the Annual Oral Cancer Campaign of Araraquara promoted by the Oral Medicine Service of the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP. This campaign is an extension activity which, since its beginning, in 1993, has been expanding.The campaign provides background for teaching and research as well as benefits to the regional community. In 1999 this activity was conducted, for the first time, in a public fair visited daily for thousands people. This opportunity, which started in 1999, promoted the expansion of benefits and contributed to legitimate the campaign as an authentic extramural extension activity.

Strong Societies And Weak States State Society Relations And State Capabilities In The Third World

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