Theory and Practice of China’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts A Researcher’s Investigations and Reflections over More than 30 Years

This book offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of China’s development -oriented and targeted poverty alleviation, charting its evolution from early policy exploration to the historic elimination of absolute poverty. Integrating historical analysis, policy design, practical implementation, and theoretical reflection, it presents a holistic picture of how poverty reduction was transformed into a systematic governance endeavor. This book traces the shift from poverty alleviation as an “important agenda” to a “central task,” examining the institutional frameworks and policy measures that drove rapid income growth, strengthened food security, improved infrastructure, and dramatically enhanced living conditions in poor areas. At its core is an in-depth analysis of targeted poverty alleviation, detailing how precise identification, dynamic management, clearly defined responsibilities, and data-driven oversight translated policy goals into effective, measurable outcomes. Beyond material achievements, this book highlights broader impacts on rural governance, endogenous development capacity, cadre–masses relations, and long-term rural revitalization. It distills key experiences and governance principles while situating China’s poverty alleviation practice within global theoretical debates. By presenting China’s poverty alleviation as both a practical success and a coherent development paradigm, this book offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and development practitioners worldwide.