| Abstract | After nearly half a century of Communist rule, a civil society has begun to take shape in the world's largest nation. This quiet revolution has given the Chinese more "breathing space" from the state than they ever had since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Citizen's organizations, from private companies with huge resources to environmental groups, are mushrooming throughout the country. As economic change erodes the state's authority, the Chinese are free to sue companies, elect some officials and speak out as never before. |
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