| Achoimre: | <p>This research explores how the constitutional hybridity of different traditions shape the core political institutions in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Three sets of constitutional traditions mix, intertwine and interact in these political systems: a Chinese tradition, a Communist tradition, and a Western tradition. The most crucial platforms on which these dynamics play out are the party-state, in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and executive-legislative relations (PRC, Hong Kong, and Taiwan). It is exactly through such interplay that the core features of Chinese political systems are formulated. The contents of such traditions are carefully analyzed in this thesis, to highlight the core elements that shape the constitutional landscape of Chinese political systems. By investigating the relevant literature on constitutional hybridity, especially literature about the mixed constitution and hybrid regimes, this thesis identifies some major dynamics of constitutional hybridity. Among them, regime inclusiveness, legitimacy clash, the institutionalization of politics, and political opportunism are of exceptional significance regarding Chinese polities. The explanatory powers of this thesis apply but are not limited to the actual patterns of governance in China, the failure of Hong Kong’s supposed executive-led governance, and political gridlock in Taiwan. This research also shows that constitutional hybridity is not inherently positive or negative. It depends on the outcomes it produces. If these above-mentioned problems could be curbed, then hybridity could be effectively mobilized to facilitate political reform. Based on such understanding, the thesis formulates certain institutional suggestions for the further political reform of Chinese polities.</p>
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