The Transnational Politics of Philanthropy

<P>How does philanthropy function and gain legitimacy within an authoritarian system – and what does this mean for the global philanthropic landscape? Drawing on rich empirical data and a mixed-methods approach, this book reveals how transnational dynamics have shaped the rise of Chinese philanthropy in an authoritarian context – and how, in turn, it is increasingly influencing the future of global philanthropy. </P><P>Combining insights from fieldwork in China and text mining of philanthropy-related news reports and online fundraising data, the book provides a fresh picture of China’s dynamic philanthropy landscape. It ranges from the Tencent Foundation’s promotion of an ebullient internet philanthropy and the strategic ‘charitisation’ of grassroots NGOs to traditional party-state foundations working to professionalise their operations in an increasingly competitive fight for resources. It crucially links these organisation-level strategies to broader political developments in the context of China’s evolving Belt and Road initiative and its engagement with developing countries as well as the UN system.</P><P>This timely and original contribution is vital reading for scholars interested in the political dimensions of global civil society and China's expanding role in shaping it.</P>