Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the biography of Deng Xiaoping, Mao Zedong's successor, as the leader of Communist China. Its main focus is on the differences between Deng and Mao, especially Deng's reforms which began China's move towards free enterprise.

From the Paper:

"Richard Evan's biography on Mao Zedong's successor as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China is a critical evaluation of Deng Xiaoping's political career in the Chinese Communist Party. Mostly just telling the story of his life as it is (based on facts obtained from previous books on China and the CCP, government sources, and interviews with communist officials), Evans' own opinions inevitably come out in the narrative. Throughout the book, Evans indirectly declares his admiration for Deng Xiaoping. He especially praises his contributions to the Chinese economy and living standards, and to China's current standing in the international political arena. Evans also compares Deng to Mao Zedong on several points, in each case revealing Deng's contrast to be the better side (which contributed to Deng's greater popularity over Mao's once Deng had been in charge for a short while). This contrast of personalities and beliefs is to me the strongest message which this book proclaims."

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