Liberal Despotism: Population Planning, Subjectivity, and Government in Contemporary China

China's 1970s & 1980s population-planning program provides backdrop to this examination of governmentality & authoritarianism in both liberal & non-liberal societies. Mass activism is characteristic of Maoist government strategy in which self-conscious conduct of target populations & administratively enforced measures go hand in hand. The author discusses dichotomy of national interest versus that of the individual citizen & Chinese authoritarian arts of government. The essay further explores Chinese population theory, planning & empowerment of the citizenry. In conclusion, it is apparent that biopolitics, traditionally equated with liberal forms of government, operate in systems typically devoid of classical liberal concerns. The tensions between autonomy & heteronomy, problem targets & ensuing coercion by administration are ongoing concerns in population planning.