MING K.CHAN

The impressive array of penetrating analysis and provocative interpretations afforded by this volume's 14 chapters sharpen appreciation of the ongoing transformations of China's Hong Kong since 1997 and the possibilities embedded in its journey toward an integrative merger-convergence with the Mainland by 2047. A unique strength of this volume lies with the wide ranging views and divergent assessments offered by the chapter authors of different nationalities, varied experience, diverse academic/professional disciplines, and of competing ideo-political persuasions. Ten of them are leading academics (economist, historian, legalist, media scholar, political scientist, sociologist) well-published on Hong Kong topics while seven are seasoned practitioners on the cutting edge of Hong Kong's development (as HKSAR official, legislator, Basic Law Committee member, business leader, think-tank expert, journalist, and US diplomat).

They render this volume a profoundly pluralistic and multi-dimensional delineation of the early HKSAR experience with a vivid articulation of future prospects. Besides personal reflections and illuminating observations that capture the accents of the changes sweeping Hong Kong since 1997, these authors also share their cherished visions, passionate critiques and committed missions for a better HKSAR. Indeed, their insightful contributions endow this volume with direct relevance to Hong Kong's exciting post-colonial metamorphosis. How well will the HKSAR populace reposition themselves as citizens of the most globalized and progressive domain under PRC sovereignty to contribute more to China's national advancement? How shall they reinvent China's Hong Kong by preserving their core values through institutions and processes that harmonize with Mainland polity, society and economy while becoming a genuinely integral part of China? To such great challenges of the next four decades, this volume is a refreshingly enightening reference for a more informed approach ahead.