City Research Online

Abstract

This article uses principal–agent theory to examine the governance of solar energy in China and question the notion of ‘fragmented authoritarianism’ in Chinese governance. It demonstrates that the governance of solar energy in China operates on two levels, with ‘police patrol’ control and monitoring mechanisms at the meso- or sectoral level combined with ‘fire alarm’ modes of political control at the micro-level. Drawing on original interview material, we argue that this two-level model and distinct set of supervisory institutions have allowed China, as a relatively late entrant into the solar energy sector, to address the growing environmental emergency within China and catch up technologically with the West.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Europe-Asia Studies on 15 Jul 2019, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09668136.2019.1619669
Publisher Keywords:	China, Principal-Agent Theory, Governance, Solar Energy
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Departments:	School of Policy & Global Affairs
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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