The ebook is an introduction into China's cadre management focusing on the institutional mechanisms and organizational processes that allow the CCP to exert control and power over its state apparatus. By means of selection and appointment, the Party continues to influence career mobility of its agents. Mobility patterns reflect first and foremost the political priorities of the party-state, but also the more comprehensive development goals of the state. Moreover, control over selection and appointment assures a certain degree of coherence within the state apparatus and allows the Party to preserve the existing political structure and its monopoly over claims on power.

Julia Marinaccio graduated with a BA and an MA in Chinese Studies from the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna. After her graduation she pursued further studies in Taiwan and completed an additional MA in Political Science at the National Chengchi University in 2013. Upon her return to Austria she embarked on a PhD project on capacity building in the Chinese bureaucracy. She is currently holding a research and teaching position at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna. Her research focuses on cadre management and environmental governance in China, and social movements in Taiwan.