Rural Policy Implementation in Contemporary China

Focusing on the "Building of a New Socialist Countryside" (BNSC) policy in China, this analysis examines adaptive local policy implementation through in-depth fieldwork conducted in four provinces. It highlights the strategic agency of county governments and their significant role in the policy's execution from 2008 to 2011. Contrary to perceptions of BNSC as merely an empty slogan, the study reveals substantial changes in rural policy processes and outcomes, showcasing the policy's tangible impacts on local governance and rural development.