China – An Example to Follow? Strengths and Strains of Efficient Governance

Place: University of Zurich, Main Building, Room KOL-F104. 4:30pm-6pm

With the panel discussion “China – An Example to Follow? Strengths and Strains of Efficient Governance”, the aim is to provide a nuanced perspective on the Chinese understanding of statehood and administrative steering. While many European countries complain about growing bureaucracy, lengthy decision-making processes, and a certain inertia in reform, the Chinese model presents itself outwardly as highly efficient: decisions appear to be made quickly and implemented consistently, and state steering capacity becomes particularly evident in times of crisis.

The goal of the event is to take a deeper, more objective look at China’s governance structures and their sources—beyond Western or Chinese narratives and beyond superficial reporting. Although China plays a central role as a global actor and the largest region of Asia, the subject remains terra incognita for many students. At a time when the West increasingly laments paralyzing bureaucracy, we ask ourselves: could China’s approach be a model of efficient governance? Together with experts, we want to discuss historical developments, current strategies, and possible lessons for our own structures—critically, openly, and in a well-founded way. We seek to explore the topic from different perspectives—politics, economics, society, and academia—in order to enable a well-grounded and balanced discussion.

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Ralph Weber; associate professor at the Institute for European Global Studies (University of Basel)
• Prof. Dr. Jean Christopher Mittelstädt, associate professor of sinology specializing in modern China (University of Zurich)
• Berdardino Regazonni, former Swiss ambassador to China
• Nico Luchsinger, director Asia Society Switzerland

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