Why is the Chinese government eager to host the Olympic games?  Why does this event get popular support from the Chinese people?  How do you explain the criticism and pressure on the Chinese government before Beijing’s Olympic games opening ceremony, as well as the incidents that happened just before and during the Olympic games?  Can the Olympic games change the process of China’s political development?  What can we expect about China’s political development in the future?  Prof. Qian will give his analysis based on his observation on China’s recent developments and his understanding about China’s history and China’s politics.

Prof. Zhen Qian is an Associate Professor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies at the Central Party School in Beijing, China.  Prof. Qian earned an M.A. in Law and International Politics from China’s Central Party School and an M.A. in Law from Leeds University, UK.  Prof. Qian is currently researching participatory democracy in contemporary China.  His research will focus on comparative aspects of China’s democratic reforms including reforms in cities and rural areas, the political implications of advances in communication technology, and public participation in environmental policy-making.