Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise

A thoroughly researched examination of how communist ideology under Chairman Mao continues to shape China's economic success. It was widely assumed that as China adopted open markets and private enterprise, its state-controlled economy would decline and free markets would lead to a more liberal society. Instead, over the past four decades, China's growth has established state capitalism as a persistent alternative to free market orthodoxy, surprising many Western observers. Christopher Marquis and Kunyuan Qiao argue that China's economic success stems from—rather than despite—the ongoing influence of Communist leader Mao Zedong. They demonstrate how Mao's ideological principles, mass campaigns, and socialist institutions have had lasting effects on Chinese entrepreneurs' business strategies and company management. Drawing on case studies and quantitative analyses, the book shows that while private enterprise drives China's growth, Chinese companies see no conflict between commercial interests and commitment to Maoist ideology.