Business, Government & the International Economy
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- 2021
- Working Paper
The Emergence of Mafia-like Business Systems in China
By: Meg Rithmire and Hao ChenA large literature on state-business relations in China has examined the political role of capitalists and collusion between the state and the private sector. This paper contributes to that literature, and our understanding of the internal differentiation among China’s business elites, by documenting the emergence of a particular kind of large, non-state business group that we argue is more akin to a mafia system than any standard definition of a firm. Drawing on large-N descriptive data as well as deep ethnographic and documentary research, we argue that mafia-like business systems share organizational principles (plunder and obfuscation) and means of growth and survival (relations of mutual endangerment and manipulation of the financial system). Understanding the particular moral economy that underlies mafia-like business systems and their interactions with the state challenges methodological foundations of research on China’s political economy and helps explain recent conflict between high-profile business people and the state.
- 2021
- Working Paper
The Emergence of Mafia-like Business Systems in China
By: Meg Rithmire and Hao ChenA large literature on state-business relations in China has examined the political role of capitalists and collusion between the state and the private sector. This paper contributes to that literature, and our understanding of the internal differentiation among China’s business elites, by documenting the emergence of a particular kind of large,...
About the Unit
The BGIE Unit conducts research on, and teaches about, the economic, political, social, and legal environment in which business operates. The Unit includes scholars trained in economics, political science, and history; in its work, it draws on perspectives from all three of these disciplines.
The following demonstrates one way of classifying the approaches the Unit takes to learning and teaching.
- The Unit examines the “rules” and policies established by government and other non-business institutions that affect business in the United States.
- The Unit turns to history to understand the origins of today’s business environment as well as some of the alternatives that have emerged from time to time.
- The Unit examines other countries’ business environments and their historical development.
- The BGIE group is deeply interested in the impact of globalization and the way rules are emerging to govern international economic transactions as globalization proceeds.
Recent Publications
Reforming the U.S. Immigration Regime: A Polarizing Issue in a Polarized Era
- April 2021 |
- Case |
- Faculty Research
The Emergence of Mafia-like Business Systems in China
- 2021 |
- Working Paper |
- Faculty Research
ALDDN: Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria
- March 2021 |
- Case |
- Faculty Research
The Trouble with TCE
- March 2020 |
- Case |
- Faculty Research
Capitalism and the Party-State: The People's Republic of China at 70
- March 2021 |
- Case |
- Faculty Research
Political Legitimacy and Global Capital Markets: Malaysia's 1MDB (B)
- March 2021 |
- Supplement |
- Faculty Research
Snapp: Scaling Under Sanctions in Iran (B)
- March 2021 |
- Supplement |
- Faculty Research
Harvard Business Publishing
Seminars & Conferences
There are no upcoming events.