This book argues that democratization is inherently international: states democratize through a process of socialization to a liberal-rational global culture. This can clearly be seen in Taiwan and Thailand, where the elites and attentive public now accept democracy as universally valid. But in China, the ruling communist party resists democratization, in part because its leaders believe it would lead to China's "permanent decentering" in world history. As China's power increases, the party could begin restructuring global culture by inspiring actors in other Asian countries to uphold or restore authoritarian rule.

"The book is based on a very rich trove of recent, original research that will interest area specialists. At the same time, it makes a very interesting and innovative argument that scholars of globalization, democratization, and political development will want to read . . . the theoretical argument is original, thought-provoking, well-argued, and interesting, and offers a very pointed challenge to conventional wisdom. The way Lynch talks about China is brilliant." - Davidson College

"(The book) is magisterial. Because it encompasses so much and challenges so much, its theses will be debated. The book will prod people to do review essays and hold symposia. In short, it is a very important work. This is superb scholarship." - University of Wisconsin-Madison