Hong Kong Constitutionalism

Hong Kong Constitutionalism examines Hong Kong as a leading example of an authoritarian jurisdiction with a positive history of adhering to Rule of Law-shaped governance systems. British Hong Kong tells the remarkable story of the effective development and consolidation of such a system, which has continued to apply since 1997, when it became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

This book offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of Hong Kong’s political-legal experience. It demonstrates that these prominent governance achievements were built on specific British constitutional foundations developed over centuries. The analysis reveals how British theorist Albert Dicey’s ideas, particularly “Diceyan Constitutionalism,” were crucial in the context of “Chinese Familism,” influencing the development of governance institutions and operational procedures in the new British Colony.

The book discusses the rise of Hong Kong’s system of Authoritarian Legality. It explores the essence of this system and examines how it has been stress-tested, especially in 2019, and how well it may handle future challenges. Additionally, it analyses Hong Kong–Beijing relations and the long-term prospects for the HKSAR within the PRC, offering a balanced, contemporary assessment of China’s exceptional One Party State.