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From the Co-Editors Bo
LI & Li-an ZHOU In this issue of "Perspectives," we are pleased to publish Professor Yingyi Qian's most recent work on transition economics. As a leading economist in transition economics, Professor Qian presents in this article a critical examination of fundamental flaws in economic thinking on the transitional economies of former socialist countries. He refers to some Western economists as "naïve capitalist reformers" who view transition as a straight copying of the American model. China's successful experience is regarded as offering a second-best alternative to reforming the traditional socialist system. For those who are concerned about and puzzled by the economics of transition, this is another must-read from Professor Qian. E-commerce has been a very popular word in daily conversations since Silicon Valley became famous for producing instant millionaires. Many of us are interested in evaluating the prospect of e-commerce development in China. In his article, Mr. Jiacheng He delivers a detailed analysis of China's e-commerce development. Mr. He's article is based on his research on the recent e-commerce development in the United States and his personal experience as a leading official in charge of e-commerce development in China. Also in this issue, Ms. Yahong Li offers an essay on the Law-making Law recently promulgated in China, which is generally applauded as a significant event in China's legislative history. While acknowledging its significance in normalizing and institutionalizing China's legislative practices, Ms. Li focuses on the potential problems of the new legislation. We are also glad to have an article by Alex Wang, who discusses the downside of China's rapid economic growth, namely the environment crisis. In another essay, Hua Sheng examines the legal issues arising from China's recent ban of a popular novel "Shanghai Baby." In addition, Xiaojiang Hu also shares with us her interesting stories of a changing Tibet. Finally, in the first part of a two-part essay, Mr. Ventry touches on the politics, economics and morality of abolishing the estate and gift tax in the United States, which is a contested issue in the presidential race between Al Gore and George W. Bush. We hope you enjoy this issue of "Perspectives." We also welcome your continuing support and contribution. If you have any comments or suggestions on "Perspectives," please feel free to contact us at bo_li@post.harvard.edu or zhoula@stanford.edu. |