This volume investigates the complex political, economic, and social implications of the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty. The authors, a group of distinguished scholars and experts in East Asian affairs, analyze the structural challenges inherent in the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. By examining the transition period, the text evaluates how Hong Kong's legal, economic, and administrative systems were integrated into the People's Republic of China while attempting to maintain a degree of autonomy. The work provides a comprehensive assessment of the institutional friction and policy adjustments required during this geopolitical shift.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational academic resource for understanding the immediate post-handover period in Hong Kong. Scholars frequently cite the text for its balanced approach to the institutional complexities of the transition process.