The Rise and Fall of the EAST

“Riveting.”—Tunku Varadarajan, Wall Street Journal

“Comprehensive and scholarly as one might expect from an economics professor at MIT. . . . [Huang’s] wry dedication—‘to the autocrats of the world. They give us so much to write about’—says it all.”—James Crabtree, Financial Times

“The rigours of imperial China’s civil-service examination system . . . are described in a new book by Yasheng Huang. . . . Arguing that the exams stifled innovation in ancient times, Professor Huang sees lessons for Xi Jinping’s China.”—The Economist

A Foreign Affairs Best Book of 2023

“One of those lamentably rare books that ask the really big questions, and that offer pretty bold original ideas about how and why China is the way that it is.”—Kaiser Kuo, China Project

“This book is a sweeping inquiry that both China scholars and a general audience will value—not the least for Dr. Huang’s wit, colorful observations, and direct style. . . . It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of China today and where it is headed.”—Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor

“Besides its breathtakingly original, brilliant and insightful theoretical argument, Huang’s book is also notable for its methodological virtuosity. It makes use of extensive comparative examples and robust statistical analysis to illustrate how the introduction of an institution has fundamentally altered Chinese history. Written in elegant and accessible style, this book will be a perfect textbook for both graduate and undergraduate students. . . . An instant classic and an inspiring example of theoretical ambition and scholarly excellence.”—Minxin Pei, China Quarterly

“A compelling and easily digestible argument.”—Brad Glosserman, Japan Times

“Thought-provoking . . . illuminating. This book is a good example of how social sciences and historical investigations can provide useful insights into governance, economics, and politics that a less interdisciplinary approach would miss.”—Xiang Gao, Australian Outlook

“An engaging and informative book that blends historical resonance with modern China, and highlights the more alarming idiosyncrasies and risks of Xi’s China.”—George Magnus, author of Red Flags: Why Xi’s China Is in Jeopardy

“An extraordinary, innovative argument for a key question: Why has China’s autocratic system proved so sustainable? Paying particular attention to China’s traditional examination system, Huang provides a powerful new explanation.”—Rana Mitter, author of China’s Good War: How World War II Is Shaping a New Nationalism