China’s reform era is drawing to a close, marked by political instability, ideological rigidity, and economic inequality. Since the 1990s, Beijing’s leaders have resisted fundamental reforms to their authoritarian one-party system, achieving stability but at what cost? Carl Minzner argues that over three decades, this frozen political landscape has bred entrenched interests within the Communist Party and stifled institutional development across state and society. As a result, economic disparities have grown, social tensions have intensified, and ideological divisions have deepened. In “End of an Era,” Minzner delves into these complex dynamics, tracing China’s path to this critical juncture and exploring the potential consequences as its leaders grapple with mounting challenges by undermining long-standing institutional norms.