子計畫二：黨國體制下的菁英選拔：兩岸的比較研究

From the perspective of elite theory, this research report aims to probes the regime nature of the contemporary China and its developmental path. The research project covers comparative analysis and case study. For the comparative analysis, I adopt the theoretical typology of elite configuration and regime type to the CCP during the reform era and the KMT in the martial law period, and present the findings from the trend analysis and the historical analysis. The results suggest that “ideocratic elite”, combining strong unity and narrow differentiation, would play a critical role for the survival of Leninist party. Regarding the case study, the report focuses on the nature of CCP’s cadre appointment system and constructs the idea of “successor cultivation.” We argue that “successor cultivation” would combine the two aspects—early selection and capability testing, both of which would derive from the current political context that is being institutionalized. The empirical evidence of this study is based on the CC members for the period from the 15th to 17th Party Congresses, and the results confirm how the two parts of successor cultivation can explain the outcomes of elite promotion. Based upon a series of systematic analysis on political elites, the report may contribute to understanding the nature of CCP regime and its prospect.