Deadly Decision in Beijing: Succession Politics, Protest Repression, and the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre

Three decades after 1989, historical materials are now available for understanding the Tiananmen protests in a new light. In a play-by-play account of the elite politics that led to the military crackdown, Yang Su addresses the repression of the protest in the context of political leadership succession. He challenges conventional views that see the military intervention as a necessary measure against a revolutionary mobilization. Beneath the political drama, Deadly Decision in Beijing explores the authoritarian regime's perpetual crisis of leadership transition and its impact on popular movements.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: a decision to kill; Part I. Party-state Leadership in the Deng Era: 2. The coming of the Deng Era: 1976–1987; 3. The fate of two successors: 1980–April 15, 1989; Part II. Elite Politics and the Making of the Tiananmen Protest: 4. Early response and the growth of the protest: April 15–April 26, 1989; 5. Where was Deng Xiaoping? April 15–May 11, 1989; 6. How a moderate approach failed: April 26–May 17, 1989; Part III. The Decision for Military Intervention: 7. Was it a revolution? April 15–June 3, 1989; 8. The martial law decision: May 13–May 19, 1989; 9. Military operation as symbolic display of power: June 3–June 4, 1989; Part IV. The Political Impact: 10. Deng's long game: 1989–1992; 11. Conclusion: Tiananmen and China's communist authoritarianism.

About the Author :
Yang Su is Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine and a scholar of social movements, revolution, and political violence. His book Collective Killings in Rural China during the Cultural Revolution (2011) was a winner of the Barrington Moore Book Award and an Honourable Mention of the Charles Tilly Book Award of the American Sociological Association.

Review :
'A stunning, meticulously researched, brilliant analysis. Yang Su's book forces us to re-evaluate everything we thought we knew about the Tiananmen Square movement and its violent repression. The analysis also reminds us of how much we miss when we lack access to information about elite decision making processes and how those processes may shape trajectories of social movements. While activists think strategically about how elite opponents' vulnerabilities open up opportunities for action, their elite opponents may be thinking strategically about how they can use movements to position themselves in elite power struggles. Elegantly written and perfectly suited for undergraduate or graduate courses related to social movements, revolution, politics, and power.' Rory McVeigh, Notre Dame University 'a lively narrative' Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs '[A] terrific book - one that is likely to be read, discussed, and cited for some time to come.' George Lawson, American Journal of Sociology 'This book will be of interest to scholars of China and, more generally, to those curious about authoritarian rule in the modern era. … Recommended.' Q. E. Wang, Choice 'For a long time, there has been a division between area studies and disciplinary knowledge in the China field. Su's work demonstrates that this division is unnecessary and unproductive. Like his first book, “Deadly Decision in Beijing” represents a new wave of theory-informed China studies. It not only tells a nuanced story of a crucial episode in modern Chinese history but also contributes fresh insights to social science theories: elite politics, social movements, and historical sociology. Su's scholarship sets a standard for all sociologists studying China.' Yang Zhang, Pacific Affairs 'A must read for anyone interested not only in the Tiananmen democracy movement and the subsequent massacre but also in the future of China's political system and state-society relationship.' Jean-Pierre Cabestan, China Perspectives