The study of patron-client politics is new to the study of Hong Kong political science. This book examines whether patron-client relations are critical to the electoral victory of candidates; how the political elites cultivate support from clients in order to obtain more votes during local elections; and tests the extent to which whether patron-client relations are crucial in order for candidates to obtain more ballots during elections.
Covering patron-client politics and public administration in Hong Kong; the electoral dynamics including the Chief Executive elections and the Legislative Council elections; the cooptation of key elites by using patron-client mechanism; the study of the committees and elites who have been politically co-opted; the appointment mechanisms that have played a crucial role in patron-clientelism; and finally the China factor in the entire processes and politics of patron-client politics.
Bruce Kwong finds that the better candidates cultivate patron-client relations, the greater their chance of winning the election; and the smaller the size of the electoral constituency, the greater the impact of patron-client relations. Finally, the book stresses the role of Beijing as a powerful patron shaping the Hong Kong Chief Executive and the latter’s clients and analyzes the political implications and long-term consequences of patron-client politics in Hong Kong.
Bruce Kam-kwan Kwong is Assistant Professor at the Department of Government and Public Administration of the University of Macau. He earned his doctoral degree at the Department of Politics and Public Administration, the University of Hong Kong. His research interests include patron-client politics, civil service reform, policing, and elections in Hong Kong and Macau.
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这本书提供了一个非常独特的视角,来理解香港选举中那些“看不见的手”是如何运作的。作者以“恩客—客户”政治为核心,详细阐述了香港选举中个人化的政治动员和利益交换是如何形成的,以及这种模式如何影响了选民的投票行为和政治参与。书中对于“恩客”如何利用其资源优势,建立忠诚的“客户”网络,以及“客户”如何通过支持“恩客”来获得实际利益的描写,非常生动和具体。我尤其欣赏作者在分析中,对不同政治派别在运用“恩客—客户”政治时的策略差异的比较。这让我看到了香港政治竞争的复杂性和多样性,也理解了不同政治团体是如何在政治资源分配和选票动员上展开博弈的。The book’s comprehensive analysis of the different forms of patronage that exist in Hong Kong, ranging from material exchanges to social support networks, offers a rich understanding of how these relationships are embedded in the fabric of society. The author’s meticulous research methodology, which includes extensive archival work and in-depth interviews, provides a strong foundation for the arguments presented, ensuring both academic rigor and empirical depth. Furthermore, the book’s exploration of the role of technology and social media in the contemporary practice of patron-client politics is particularly relevant, highlighting how these new platforms can be utilized to mobilize and manage client networks. The author’s critical assessment of the impact of patron-client politics on the quality of democratic representation and accountability in Hong Kong is a vital contribution, urging readers to consider the broader implications for the territory’s political future. It is a profoundly insightful and well-written work that will be of great interest to anyone keen to understand the intricate workings of Hong Kong’s electoral system.
评分这本书的出版,无疑是理解香港政治的一个重要里程碑。作者以“恩客—客户”政治为切入点,深入挖掘了香港选举中那些不易被察觉的运作逻辑。书中对于“恩客”如何构建其权力基础,如何通过资源分配来维系和扩展其“客户”网络,以及“客户”如何通过投票等政治行为来回报“恩客”的详细阐释,为我揭示了一个更加真实、也更加复杂的香港政治图景。我尤其欣赏作者对不同政治派别如何运用或应对“恩客—客户”政治的策略分析。这使得我对香港政治多元化的竞争格局有了更深刻的认识,也理解了不同政治主张背后可能存在的利益驱动。The book's insightful analysis of the gendered dimensions of patron-client politics, for instance, or its examination of how ethnic or community affiliations are mobilized within these networks, adds further layers of complexity and nuance to the reader’s understanding. The author’s careful consideration of how globalization and economic liberalization might have altered the nature and scope of patron-client politics in Hong Kong is also a valuable contribution, suggesting that these traditional forms of political exchange are not static but evolve in response to broader socio-economic transformations. The book’s strong theoretical grounding, coupled with its rich empirical data, makes it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deep and critical understanding of electoral politics in Hong Kong. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers new avenues for research and discussion.
评分这本书的价值在于它提供了一个分析框架,可以帮助我们理解香港政治中普遍存在的“人情”和“恩惠”是如何转化为政治力量的。作者将“恩客—客户”政治这一概念,从西方政治学理论中引入,并成功地将其本土化,使其能够精确地描述香港选举中的现实。书中对于“恩客”如何利用其拥有的资源(可能是金钱、人脉、信息,甚至是社会地位)来招募和维系“客户”,以及“客户”如何通过支持“恩客”的政治活动来获得回报的细节,描绘得栩栩如生。我尤其赞赏作者在分析过程中,对不同政治派别在这类政治模式中的角色和策略所做的区分。它揭示了即便在同一个政治生态系统中,不同政治力量对“恩客—客户”政治的利用方式和程度也存在显著差异。This meticulous dissection of the mechanisms through which patronage networks are formed, maintained, and leveraged during electoral campaigns provides a critical lens through which to view the often-opaque processes of political mobilization and persuasion in Hong Kong. The author’s engagement with the existing literature on clientelism, while also forging new theoretical ground by applying it specifically to the Hong Kong context, is a significant contribution to the field. The book’s detailed examination of the types of goods and services exchanged within these networks, ranging from tangible benefits like employment and financial assistance to more intangible forms of support and access, offers a rich tapestry of understanding. Furthermore, the author’s consideration of the impact of socio-economic factors, such as demographic shifts and economic downturns, on the dynamics of patron-client politics adds another crucial layer of analysis, demonstrating the interconnectedness of political behavior with broader societal trends. It is a sophisticated and well-argued work that will undoubtedly stimulate further debate and research.
评分我必须承认,在阅读这本书之前,我对香港选举中的“人情”和“关系”在政治动员中的作用,并没有一个系统性的认识。作者以“恩客—客户”政治为切入点,为我提供了一个强大的分析工具。书中对于“恩客”如何利用其在社会经济结构中的优势地位,建立和维系其“客户”网络,以及“客户”如何通过投票、宣传等方式来回报“恩客”的逻辑,进行了极为细致和深入的剖析。我尤其喜欢作者对“恩客—客户”政治在香港不同历史时期和政治环境下演变的梳理。这让我看到了这种政治模式的韧性和适应性,以及它如何与香港的政治发展相互作用。The book’s exploration of the cyclical nature of patron-client politics, where successful patronage can lead to electoral victories, which in turn provide more resources to further entrench the patronage networks, is particularly insightful. The author’s meticulous attention to detail in examining the specific mechanisms of vote-buying, client mobilization, and the exchange of favors provides a granular understanding of how these processes operate on the ground. Moreover, the book’s critical engagement with the concept of ‘political corruption’ in relation to patron-client politics, distinguishing between different forms and degrees of illicit behavior, is a valuable contribution that avoids simplistic generalizations. The author’s thoughtful consideration of the challenges and opportunities for reforming or mitigating the effects of patron-client politics in Hong Kong offers a forward-looking perspective, inviting readers to contemplate the potential pathways for fostering a more robust and accountable democratic system. It is an indispensable read for anyone serious about understanding the complexities of electoral politics in this dynamic city.
评分这本书对我最大的启发在于,它让我看到了香港选举中那些看似零散的个人化行为,实际上可能构成了一个系统性的政治运作模式。作者以“恩客—客户”政治为核心,对香港的选举机制进行了深入的解读。书中对“恩客”如何通过提供物质利益、人际支持或信息服务来建立其政治影响力,以及“客户”如何通过投票、参与政治活动等方式来回报“恩客”的分析,非常细致和具体。我尤其喜欢作者对“恩客—客户”关系如何渗透到香港社会的不同层面,甚至影响到基层社区治理的描写。这让我意识到,这种政治模式的影响力远比我之前想象的要广泛得多。The book’s rigorous examination of the historical evolution of patron-client relationships in Hong Kong, tracing their roots in colonial governance and societal structures, provides a crucial context for understanding their contemporary manifestations. The author’s ability to connect theoretical concepts with concrete examples from various electoral districts and periods is a key strength, making the arguments highly persuasive and accessible. The book also critically assesses the implications of patron-client politics for democratic consolidation, institutional reform, and the overall quality of public life in Hong Kong, prompting readers to consider the long-term societal consequences of such practices. The author’s balanced perspective, acknowledging both the analytical utility of the patron-client framework and its potential limitations, adds to the intellectual integrity of the work. It’s a book that will undoubtedly resonate with scholars, students, and anyone interested in the complex and often surprising dynamics of Hong Kong’s political landscape.
评分这本书的叙事风格非常吸引人,它成功地将枯燥的政治理论与生动的现实案例相结合,使得阅读过程既充实又富有启发性。作者对“恩客—客户”政治的解读,不仅仅停留在权力交换的层面,更进一步探讨了这种关系如何塑造了香港的政治文化和公民意识。我尤其欣赏作者对香港不同地区和不同社会阶层在参与此类政治模式时的差异化分析。例如,书中对于基层社区中,议员或候选人如何通过提供实际福利、解决居民日常问题来建立“恩客—客户”网络,并以此争取选票的描述,非常生动和写实。这让我更加深刻地理解了,在一些特定社会环境中,政治参与的形式和动机是多么多元。书中的分析并非一成不变,而是展现了“恩客—客户”政治在不同时期、不同选举中的演变轨迹。作者细致地梳理了这种模式是如何与香港的政治发展、民主化进程以及外部政治力量的互动相交织的。这种历史的纵深感,使得我对香港政治的理解不再是碎片化的,而是形成了一个更连贯、更全面的图景。The book’s meticulous research is evident throughout, with extensive use of primary sources and scholarly literature, demonstrating a deep engagement with the existing academic discourse on patronage and electoral politics. However, what sets this work apart is its focused application to the unique context of Hong Kong, offering insights that are both specific to the territory and broadly applicable to understanding clientelism in other post-colonial or rapidly urbanizing societies. The author’s balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of clientelism in mobilizing voters and providing immediate benefits, while also critically examining its long-term consequences for democratic development and institutional integrity, is particularly noteworthy. It encourages readers to move beyond simplistic condemnations and engage with the complex realities of political practice.
评分我从这本书中获得的,是对香港政治中“关系”和“利益”如何相互交织、驱动选举结果的深刻洞察。作者以“恩客—客户”政治为核心,剖析了香港选举中广泛存在的个人化、关系化的政治动员模式。书中对于“恩客”如何构建其政治网络,如何通过提供特定服务来吸引和巩固“客户”群体,以及“客户”如何通过政治参与来获得实际利益的详细描述,让我对这种政治模式有了更直观的理解。我特别欣赏作者在分析中,对这种模式的“双刃剑”效应的揭示。一方面,它可能有助于动员低参与度的选民,另一方面,它也可能滋生腐败、削弱制度的合法性,并阻碍政策的理性制定。The book's exploration of how historical legacies and colonial structures might have contributed to the entrenchment of patron-client politics in Hong Kong is particularly thought-provoking. It suggests that understanding the present requires a deep dive into the past, recognizing how certain political and social arrangements can create fertile ground for such practices. The author’s meticulous research methodology, combining extensive fieldwork with a critical review of academic literature, lends significant credibility to the arguments presented. The detailed case studies, often featuring compelling narratives of individual voters and political operatives, bring the theoretical concepts to life, making the book both intellectually stimulating and highly engaging. Moreover, the book’s engagement with the ethical and normative dimensions of patron-client politics is commendable, prompting readers to reflect on the implications for democratic ideals and the quality of governance. It’s a comprehensive and nuanced analysis that offers a critical perspective on how power operates in contemporary Hong Kong.
评分这本书的出版,为理解香港政治生态提供了一个极其重要的视角,它深入剖析了“恩客—客户”政治(patron-client politics)在香港选举体系中的运作机制。作者通过详实的案例研究和严谨的理论框架,揭示了这种政治模式如何深刻地影响了选民的投票行为、政治精英的策略选择以及不同政治派别的权力分配。读罢全书,我仿佛被带入了一个错综复杂的政治迷宫,而作者就像一位经验丰富的向导,一步步引领我拨开迷雾,看清其中隐秘的联系和运作逻辑。书中对“恩客—客户”关系在地方层面,如区议会选举中的具体体现,尤其令我印象深刻。那些看似微小的个体利益交换,在量化和累积之后,却能汇聚成一股强大的政治力量,足以左右选举结果。作者并没有将这种现象简单地贴上“腐败”或“低级”的标签,而是尝试去理解其产生的历史根源、社会土壤以及在特定政治经济环境下的功能性。这种 nuanced 的分析,避免了简单化的道德评判,使得读者能够更客观、更深入地认识到这种政治模式的复杂性。Furthermore, the book's exploration of how this patronage system interacts with broader socio-economic changes in Hong Kong, such as rising inequality and the increasing influence of capital, is particularly illuminating. It highlights that clientelism is not a static phenomenon but rather a dynamic process that adapts and evolves in response to changing societal pressures and opportunities. The detailed case studies, drawn from various electoral cycles and constituencies, provide concrete evidence to support the theoretical arguments, making the book both academically rigorous and practically relevant for anyone interested in the intricacies of Hong Kong’s political landscape. The author’s ability to weave together quantitative data with qualitative insights from interviews and archival research is commendable, offering a multi-faceted understanding of the subject matter. It’s a book that will undoubtedly become a cornerstone for future research and public discourse on Hong Kong politics.
评分阅读这本书的体验,就像是在探索一个隐藏在香港政治舞台幕后的复杂运作系统。作者以其深厚的学术功底,将“恩客—客户”政治这一概念,在香港的语境下进行了细致而全面的梳理。书中对“恩客”如何构建其政治资本,如何通过资源分配来维系和扩大其“客户”基础,以及“客户”如何通过投票、宣传等方式来回报“恩客”的逻辑,进行了非常深入的剖析。我发现,作者在解释这些复杂关系时,并非简单地罗列事实,而是运用了多样的分析工具,包括社会网络分析、理性选择理论,甚至还借鉴了人类学中的一些概念。这使得我对“恩客—客户”政治的理解,从宏观的制度层面,深入到了微观的个体互动层面。Especially compelling is the examination of how electoral reforms or changes in the political landscape have influenced the manifestation and strategies of patron-client politics in Hong Kong. The author skillfully illustrates how established networks might adapt to new challenges, or how new forms of patronage might emerge in response to changing political dynamics. This adaptability of the patron-client system, as presented in the book, is a crucial aspect that sheds light on its persistence and resilience. The scholarly rigor of the book is matched by its accessibility, making it a valuable resource for both academics and the general public who are keen to understand the underlying currents shaping Hong Kong’s political scene. The author’s careful consideration of different theoretical perspectives on clientelism, and their applicability to the Hong Kong case, adds a layer of intellectual depth, inviting readers to critically engage with the phenomenon rather than passively accepting existing explanations. This makes for a truly thought-provoking and enlightening read.
评分我必须说,这本书对于理解香港选举的深层机制,提供了一个前所未有的视角。作者对“恩客—客户”政治的定义和分析,非常精准地捕捉到了这种政治模式在香港的特殊之处。书中对“恩客”与“客户”之间互惠关系的建立过程,以及这种关系如何通过选举活动中的具体行为(例如,动员投票、提供支持、甚至资源转移)得以巩固和延续,进行了极其细致的描绘。我印象最深刻的是,作者并没有将这种关系简单地视为一种单向的控制或操纵,而是强调了其互利共赢的本质,即使这种“互利”在许多情况下是以扭曲的、非平等的形态存在的。The book’s exploration of the role of various political actors – including established parties, emerging movements, and even individual candidates – in either perpetuating or challenging patron-client dynamics is particularly insightful. It highlights how these actors strategically leverage or circumvent such networks to achieve their political goals, offering a nuanced understanding of the strategic calculus involved in Hong Kong’s elections. The author’s discussion on the potential long-term consequences of widespread patron-client politics on democratic accountability, policy effectiveness, and the development of a robust civil society is also a crucial contribution. It prompts readers to consider not just how elections are won, but also the broader implications for governance and societal well-being. The book’s strength lies in its ability to present complex theoretical arguments in a clear and engaging manner, supported by compelling empirical evidence. It is a testament to the author’s expertise and dedication to providing a comprehensive and critical analysis of Hong Kong’s electoral politics. It’s a book that demands attention from anyone serious about understanding the nuances of political behavior in the territory.
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