The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of China's most strategically important, resource-rich and largest regions but also one of the country's most troublesome, the region now being synonymous with ethnic conflict and nationalist movements. This detailed and compelling study sets out to explore how the Chinese government has governed Xinjiang in light of growing tensions in the region exploring initiatives such as the partner assistance programme to understand the extent to which attempts to reverse the deteriorating situation have been effective.

Furthermore, this study also provides compelling insights into how policies vary in different regions, focusing in particular on the role played by officials in interpreting and implementing these policies within their specific locale. It shows that Communist Party strategy and policy become messy when introduced at a micro-level as local governments interpret how these policies should work within their particular region. As such, this text is invaluable to students and scholars of policy-making and implementation in China.