Governing the Commons in China

Introduction: seeing in the commons

PART I: Theoretical framework

1 Commons: origin, theory and dilemma

1.1 Philosophical origins of the commons

1.2 School I: tangible commons - physical resources

1.3 School II: institutional commons - welfare, security and public goods

1.4 School III: intangible commons - culture, identity and social capital

1.5 Conclusion: integrated commons

2 Understanding the concept of the commons in China

2.1 What does the commons mean in China?

2.2 Cultural perspectives

2.3 Bureaucracy and the state

2.4 The Commons in history

2.5 Conclusion

3 Crossing the divide

3.1 Is China a unique case?

3.2 Unity, diversity and hope

3.3 Conclusion vi

PART II: Empirical evidence from the Lancang River

4 Hydropower: saint or sinner?

4.1 Water

4.2 Hydropower development overview

4.3 Anti- dam challenges

4.4 Conclusion: is prosperity without growth possible?

5 Water and the great transformation of China

5.1 Water in China

5.2 The great transformation of China

5.3 Policy and reform

5.4 Conclusion

6 A portrait of the locality along the Lancang Valley

6.1 Institutional framework

6.2 Intangible nexus

6.3 Conclusion

7 The story of HydroLancang

7.1 Electricity and economic development

7.2 Environment and the ecosystem

7.3 Resettlement

7.4 Corporate social responsibilities

7.5 Conclusion

Conclusion: governing tianxia by the common spirit: the Grand Union