China's New Leadership and its Domestic and International Challenges

The Association of Chinese Political Studies (ACPS) will hold its 24th annual meeting and international symposium on the campus of San Francisco State University (SFSU).

Introduction

The Association of Chinese Political Studies (ACPS) will hold its 24^th annual meeting and international symposium, from September 22-23, 2012, in San Francisco, California on the campus of San Francisco State University (SFSU).  The conference is hosted by the ACPS and co-sponsored by the ACPS, the Center for U.S.-China Policy Studies at SFSU, and the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Foundation.

Conference Theme

This year will witness the turnover of China’s Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee and the leadership of the CCP.  Aside from intrigues about who actually will assume China’s top positions, there are questions about the extent to which this transition may (or may not) herald changes in China’s domestic policies towards development, the environment, and the pace of political reform.  In light of a more active Chinese foreign policy over the past two years or so, there also are questions about what the changeover will mean for China’s policies towards developed and developing nations as well as foreign investment, and international institutions.  Some fret that the domestic and international policy realms will witness paralysis as China’s new leadership comes into power and finds its bearings.  Others see a more assertive policy making elite delinked from past policies and relationships.  Yet others see continuity in China’s domestic and foreign policies given China’s present internal and global circumstances.

We invite papers that examine these topics and analyze China’s contemporary domestic political, economic, social, educational, and cultural challenges and policies.  We also welcome papers that investigate China’s growing international presence and the policies that China has developed to respond and manage global challenges. 

Publication Opportunities

Exemplary conference papers will have the opportunity to be published in any edited volumes flowing from the conference as well as to be considered for publication in the ACPS’s flagship journal, the Journal of Chinese Political Science (JCPS).

Abstract/Paper Submission Procedures

The deadline for abstract submission is Friday, April 20, 2012, with the meeting submission system opened on or after Friday, April 6.  Current ACPS members will receive priority consideration, though we seek the best papers possible.  The Organizers will consider cohesive and theme-related panel proposals consisting of 4-5 papers, a chair, and a discussant.

All conference paper submissions will take place through an annual meeting registration link to be put on www.acpsus.org on or after April 6, 2012.

Those interested in submitting panel proposals should contact Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, ACPS President, and conference co-chair at acpsus.org@gmail.com.

Acceptance of Proposals

The Organizers will issue notifications of acceptance, via email, to the primary author listed in the paper proposal.  It is anticipated that this will occur no later than May 4, 2012.

Conference Registration Procedures

Those whose papers have been accepted and plan on attending the conference will have to register for the conference by May 31, 2012 per instructions to be provided.  Individuals who have paid their ACPS membership dues and conference registration fees in full will be entitled to three free nights of lodging and complimentary meals throughout the duration of the conference.

Volunteering

We welcome expressions of interest from conference attendees willing to serve as chairs and discussants.