关键词: 压力型体制, 中国政府运行, 学术概念, 实践话语

Abstract:

The original concept of a “pressurized system” was extracted by indigenous scholars for depicting and explaining the function of Chinese governance. As noted and widely cited by scholars of Chinese politics and governance, its explanatory power stems from its holistic understanding and its vivid depiction of the system’s operations. Rather than a mere metaphorical concept invented by scholars, the concept comes from the practical discourse of local officials in Henan. This article explains its historical origin, evolutionary process, and specific operation. The pressurized system is an institutional choice and part of China's catching-up modernization process. The concept’s nearest comparators are traditional China’s “Bixian system,” modernization’s “mobilization system,” and East Asia’s “developmental state.” Other original concepts that explain contemporary governance in China also share some of its traits. The process of its formation shows that living academic concepts should be documented by collecting practical facts, activating theoretical dialogue, and transforming practical discourse, particularly in studying politics and governance. China's rich governance experiences and innovations provide fertile soil and sustained impetus for producing more original concepts.

Key words: the pressurized system, Chinese government operation, academic concepts, practical discourse