The Implementation of Environmental Policy in China

Abstract

Policy implementation in the People's Republic of China is analyzed according to the properties of three archetypical implementation strategies: bureaucratic-authoritative, market exchange, and exhortational campaign. The three are first discussed in terms of political support, relative costs, and other attributes. The implementation of environmental policy is then analyzed according to the effects of changes in strategy. Policy effectiveness is shown to vary considerably depending upon the form of implementation. Political factors constrain choice of strategy, but considerable latitude for variation has developed since Mao's death.