This document discusses public deliberation in China and its potential benefits. It defines public deliberation and outlines its analytical and social aspects. It then compares types of public deliberation in the US and China, both offline and online. While Chinese civil society and media are dominated by the government, there is evidence that public deliberation is emerging through informal conversations, government decision making processes, and online platforms. Public deliberation may lead to increased political participation and accountability in China.

1. Authoritarian Deliberation: Public Deliberation in China Min Jiang (Ph.D. Purdue) Assistant Professor Communication Studies UNC-Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28269 E-mail: mjiang3@uncc.edu

6. Public Deliberation Graph Media & Business Government Juries, Gov Decision Making Civil Society Informal Political Discussions, Communities Media & Public Opinion Election, Multilateral Deliberation Public Meetings