Jan, George P.

Dr. George P Jan is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toledo in Ohio. He is the author, co-author and editor of 16 books. His most recent book is Understanding Contemporary China. He is also the author of numerous articles, book reviews and professional papers presented at regional, national and international conventions. He has taught at several American and foreign universities including Peking University in China. He has served on editorial boards of professional journals. He is the recipient of many academic honors and research awards. He has lectures to many organizations and groups in the United States and abroad. He has been interviewed by many newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations.

Chinese Commune - A Communist Experiment that Failed

2004 0-7734-6313-5
The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description and critical analysis of the Chinese commune experiment for the understanding of contemporary China. The focus is on the period from 1958 when the commune system was first introduced to the mid-1960s when it was drastically modified. The book covers the background of the commune system, its structure, administration and leadership. The militia force, thought regimentation, mass education and social changes in the communes are examined in great deal. The urban communes are also investigated thoroughly. The Chinese commune was a very controversial system when it was introduced in 1958. It caused disputes in the communist countries and concern in the free world. Its eventual failure and abolition have had a significant impact on China’s internal development, world communist movement and the approach to nation-building in the developing countries. This book is the most detailed in depth study of the Chinese commune system available in the Western world.