Conclusion
The analysis of crisis with the morphogenetic approach allows for a clear disentanglement of the various structural, agency, and actor transformations that take place. With two examples from the beginning of the crisis years and the resolution of the crisis, the value of Archer’s (double and triple) morphogenesis becomes evident. The influence of both the various collectivities – including the Whateverist camp, but more importantly the reformers and conservatives – as well as the individual actors like Hua Guofeng, Deng Xiaoping, and Jiang Zemin could be factored into the morphogenetic transformation of China’s political economy after 1976.