The Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) is pleased to announce the launch of the Political Economy and Governance (PEG) Research Program. This program aims to provide empirical, multidisciplinary insights into China's political economy by examining the intricate interplay between political institutions, the political environment, and the economic system.

PEG is led by Stanford scholars Professor Jennifer Pan and Professor Yiqing Xu. Professor Pan specializes in the study of political communication, digital media, and authoritarian politics. Her research explores how governments and citizens interact in the digital age, with a specific focus on China. Professor Xu is an expert in quantitative methods and causal inference, particularly as they apply to political economy and governance in China. His research leverages advanced statistical techniques to study political institutions, media influence, and policy outcomes in authoritarian and transitional regimes. Pan and Xu combine their research interests and expertise to form the newest SCCEI research program.

At launch, Pan and Xu identified two key research areas for the program: China's digital environment and public opinion and ideology.

Research on China’s digital environment investigates how social media platforms are utilized by individuals and communities, what online activities reveal about societal attitudes, and how information circulates within and beyond China's borders. This empirical and computational approach sheds light on the complexities of online engagement and its broader social, political, and economic implications.

The study of public opinion and ideology explores how the Communist Party of China and societal forces construct ideological narratives to foster compliance, guide political behavior, and sustain governance. By analyzing large-scale public discourse and behavioral data, the research offers insights into the interaction between political institutions, belief systems, and mass opinion in China’s political landscape.

Through these efforts, the Political Economy and Governance Research Program aspires to contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding China's social and economic development, providing valuable insights for academic scholars, policymakers, and international stakeholders seeking to understand China's role in the global economy.

For more information, visit the official PEG research page.