The era of globalization saw China emerge as the world's manufacturing titan. However, the 'made in China' model, with its reliance on cheap labor and thin profits, has begun to wane. Beginning in the 2000s, the Chinese state shifted from attracting foreign investment to promoting technological competitiveness of domestic firms. This shift, however, caused tensions between winners and losers, leading local bureaucrats to compete for resources in government budget, funding, and tax breaks. In 'Manipulating Globalization', Ling Chen argues that the roots of coalitional variation lie in the type of foreign firms with which local governments forged alliances.

Previously issued in print: 2018.