Chinese Journal of Sociology

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Administrative Subcontract and the Logic of Empire: Commentary on Zhou Li-An’s Article

  

  1. ZHOU Xueguang,Department of Sociology,Stanford University
  • Online:2014-11-20 Published:2014-11-20
  • Contact: ZHOU Xueguang,Department of Sociology,Stanford University E-mail:xgzhou@stanford.edu

Abstract: In this short commentary, I discuss the theoretical significance of the “administrative subcontract” model developed by Professor Zhou Li-An. I clarify some implicit assumptions in the proposed model and develop an alternative model to contrast modes of governance between centralization and decentralization. Finally, I discuss the place of “administrative subcontract” as a mode of governance in the larger context of Imperial China.

Key words:  , logic of empire, administrative subcontract