Oct 2 2017

Dr Mayling Birney

Dr Mayling BirneyThe sudden loss of our colleague and friend Dr Mayling Birney comes as a great shock to everyone in the Department of International Development, and across LSE. Mayling was a cherished colleague and friend, a great teacher, and always a positive and uplifting spirit in everything she did.

Mayling joined the Department of International Development in 2010, after completing an MSc Economics at LSE, a PhD in Political Science at Yale, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton. She was co-director of the MSc in Development Management, one of the Department’s cornerstone programmes. From her first day with us, Mayling threw herself into her teaching with gusto, incorporating her immense knowledge of the Chinese experience into the empirical and theoretical core of the course. Over time, she reconceptualised the government and governance modules away from a static, sectoral analysis, in favour of a dynamic approach focusing on institutional transformation. She quickly became a pillar of the programme, much sought after for her insight, her excellent judgement, and the warmth and grace with which she received students and colleagues alike.

Mayling was an accomplished scholar of the comparative politics of China. Her work examined local politics in China, as well as the politics of decentralization and corruption. Her principal area of research regarded the relationship between national and local politicians in China, in particular the way that national officials used local elections to control provincial authorities, and how local officials responded to the mandates of national party-state officials. In her book manuscript, The Rule of Mandates: Governing and Misgoverning China, which she was in the final steps of completing at the time of her death, Mayling argued that in lieu of a “rule of man” or “rule of law,” China has a “rule of mandates” that sets priorities for officials at all levels of government. Not only does Mayling’s research reveal how the “rule of mandates” functions, but she also demonstrates its distinct consequences for economic development and political stability in China.

We were fortunate to have Mayling with us, and her death is a tragic loss for the Department of International Development and LSE.

Our thoughts are with Mayling’s family, and her many friends and colleagues in Europe, North America, and Asia. We will miss Mayling dearly.

Professor Ken Shadlen 
Head of Department of International Development

Professor Jean-Paul Faguet
Professor of the Political Economy of Development, Department of International Development 

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87 Responses to Dr Mayling Birney

  1. Ting Luo says:

    I knew Mayling when she was at Princeton. And after she joined LSE, she had become an invisible supervisor of mine, who was always supportive and encouraging. Only two weeks ago she were offering me advice on job applications. I can’t believe that she passed away so suddenly at such a young age. I was fortunate to have worked with her. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family! Rest in peace, Mayling!

  2. Dr G. Raul Diaz says:

    My condolence to Dr Maylin Husband (Partner), family, and colleagues at the LSE. We will certainly miss Maylin.

  3. Laura Mann says:

    It goes without saying that Mayling was a brilliant, kind and sunny person. A room was always brightened by her presence. I respected her ideas and opinions and felt she had a unique and critical perspective on the world. When I was researching Chinese politics for a comparative paper, I found her writing so helpful, carefully thought-out and nuanced. I will miss chatting to her and learning from her.

    Mayling was also a warm and inclusive person. During my first year teaching at LSE, she invited me to dinner with a group of China experts and I was just enthralled by the conversation. She was skilled at orchestrating intelligent discussion with a little bit of fun, putting everyone at ease even when they didn’t know one another. She had that easy, warm spirit.

    I send my deepest condolences to her family and close friends and want them to know how lovely and beautiful Mayling was to everyone around her at LSE. She made our lives so much sunnier and we will miss her.

  4. Craig Calhoun says:

    Mayling was one of the really bright lights of the LSE faculty and would have gone on to be even more of a leader in China studies, political science, and international development. This is a loss to generations of students for whom she would have been an outstanding mentor, to intellectual life, and to international understanding.

  5. Dali Yang says:

    This is such a tragic loss for the community of scholars working on China and development. My deepest condolences to Mayling’s family and everyone she’s touched.

    • David Kelly says:

      I emailed Mayling after reading about her ‘rule of mandates’ in an article by Edward Wong in the NYT. She sent me a warm collegial reply and a copy of her paper in World Development. I found her conceptualisation brilliant and broadcast it wherever possible. Alas we never met.

      David Kelly
      China Policy

  6. Lianjiang Li says:

    Deeply saddened. I was looking forward to reviewing Mayling’s pathbreaking book.

  7. Danie Stockmann says:

    Mayling will be greatly missed by the China community. She was an extraordinary researcher, an amazing colleague, and a true friend. I feel privileged our paths have crossed.

  8. Julia Strauss says:

    What a terrible tragedy – and great loss. My deepest condolences to her family and her colleagues. May her memory be for a blessing.

  9. Diana says:

    Mayling was so genuinely kind. Very saddened by her passing.

  10. Andrew Mertha says:

    So utterly tragic. What a bright shining light she was. How much poorer we are without her. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

  11. Wenfang Tang says:

    Mayling was such a warm and engaging person and I will miss working with her on our next survey project.

  12. Cathy Fan says:

    I cannot believe and accept that she is not with us anymore. I was her research assistant when I studied Development Management in 2011 and she was a great tutor to work with. I wrote to her three days ago that I would be in London on Oct. 1 but got no reply, which was very unsual for her as she always answered her mail in time. How I wish I had been in London on week earlier so that I could at least meet her. She is so kind, energetic and outstanding. She will be always in my memories. Miss you, my dear friend and teacher!

  13. Lynn White says:

    Mayling was so young and intellectually innovative, always seeking new ways to find how Chinese politics really works. Her office at Princeton was next to my own, and I always learned from our conversations. News of her death comes as a total surprise, partly because I have not seen her for several years. Mayling’s book on The Rule of Mandates must be published. That does not make up for our loss of her as a colleague and person. I am in shock – and am sure I am not alone. Condolences to all who knew her and to her family.

  14. Pierre Landry says:

    Mayling is a star, and always will. It has been a tremendous honor to know her. Brilliant, fun, kind.

  15. Ellen Lust says:

    Mayling was such a smart, sunny and beautiful person – a great scholar and friend. It’s hard to believe she has left us, far too soon and suddenly. My sympathies to all she left behind, and especially to her family.

  16. Eva Pils says:

    This is a terrible shock and great loss. I will remember — and miss — Mayling with gratitude for her bright, warm personality and her critical spirit as a scholar. My deepest condolences to her family.

  17. Tim Hildebrandt says:

    Mayling is the very reason I am at the LSE today. She gave me so much confidence when I had so little. She had the remarkable ability to make you feel smarter (despite the fact that she was always so much more brilliant than most of us!). We will were so much better having been her colleagues and friends. She will be missed — but her legacy will last long.

  18. Tarek says:

    Mayling Birney was a brilliant scholar, a generous colleague, and a good friend. I will miss her always. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May God comfort them, grant them patience, and ease their suffering.

  19. Zhenqing Zhang says:

    Very saddened by the news. I hope that she can rest in peace.

  20. Victor Shih says:

    This is indeed sad and shocking, coming in the heels of Jason Kindopp’s passing. I had been eagerly awaiting the publication of her book and catching up with her during a fall trip to London…..I am at a loss for words.

  21. Shiru Wang says:

    Still processing this shocking and tragic news. Mayling is such a wonderful person, critical scholar, and supportive friend. Will always remember her sunshine smile. Mayling, rest in peace!

  22. Dr. Mayling’s passing is so sad and painful. She was a great Scholar of international repute! She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family and the LSE community
    Bernard Buteera
    LSE Alumna
    2013/14

  23. Andria Nadiradze says:

    Dr. Birney was my lecturer and an academic adviser at the LSE. She was extremely helpful throughout my MSc programme. I feel privileged for having an opportunity to attend her truly inspirational lectures. It is a terrible tragedy. My deepest condolences to her colleagues and loved ones.

  24. Daniel Bell says:

    So sad and shocking. She was full of life. We had a debate on the Chinese model of governance at the LSE last year and her ideas were truly groundbreaking. May her book soon see the light of day!

  25. Graeme Smith says:

    This is beyond sad. I only met her a few times, but I remember her warm, wry outlook on life, and willingness to challenge received wisdom. She was always the first name to come to mind when anyone felt like indulging the ‘there’s no brilliant young China watchers these days’ argument. To her family, thank you for bringing this bright burning light into the world. The world is a darker place, but Mayling’s glow will linger long.

  26. Pierre Landry says:

    It is almost impossible to process this tragedy. Let us remember Mayling’s brilliance, zest for life, boundless energy and caring humanity. Farewell, Dear friend.

  27. Shruti Sharma says:

    Dr Mayling Birney was the first faculty I met when I joined the MSc programme. I had joined the department late and missed all the induction programme to help new students. She spent so much time helping me understand the programme, schedules, tutorials and not to mention later on in the year, answering and helping me prep for the exams. I feel fortunate to have been taught and advised by her. And remember her for patience, warmth and brilliance.

    Shruti Sharma
    MSc Dev Mgmt
    2011-12

  28. Poorvaja Prakash says:

    Absolutely shocked and saddened by this news. Mayling was my advisor at LSE and throughout this past year she has been of tremendous support in my application for grad school again. She has always offered guidance when I needed it. She was extremely warm and genuine. My condolences to her family.

  29. Falak Naz says:

    I am still in shock, it is very hard for me to believe that Dr. Mayling is not with us anymore. She was my lecturer at the LSE. I learnt a lot from her, she used to call me an effective speaker but in fact it was all because of the confidence that I got from her.She was an amazing teacher and a great person. Mayling you will always be remembered and rest in peace.

  30. Poorvaja Prakash says:

    Absolutely shocked and saddened by this. Mayling was my advisor at LSE and was always kind and generous. She was of tremendous support this past year while I applied for a 2nd masters and I will never forget that. My condolences to her friends and family.

  31. Mark Kayser says:

    Farewell, Mayling. You were a joyous person who will always be remembered. You are already greatly missed and the world is less vibrant without you.

  32. Greta Seibel says:

    I am so shocked by the news, I just saw Mayling two weeks ago, excited and passionate as I have always known her, looking forward to the new academic year and getting to know the incoming students and see them develop and grow. My most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Mayling took me under her wing when I started teaching her course and I have grown so much under her guidance as a teacher, igniting my passion to guide my students on their way to development professionals. A tragic loss for all of us, much love to all, my thoughts are with Mayling and everyone who misses her

  33. Anna Lora Wainwright says:

    I am deeply saddened and shocked by this. We shared a room and a panel in San Diego AAS and always enjoyed our chats. I missed the opportunity to meet her when she was last in Oxford and will always regret it. Heartfelt condolences to her family

  34. Yu Tao says:

    I am so deeply shocked and saddened by such a tragic loss of a great China scholar. I had the privilege to discuss some of my research ideas with Mayling in the very early days of my doctoral project at Oxford, and I benefitted much from her insights and encouragements. It is difficult to believe that such a cherished person left us at such an early age. I will deeply miss Mayling, and my heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with Mayling’s family.

  35. AVELINO EUCLIDES DA SILVA CHIMBULO says:

    Dr. Mayling was a woman of a great and simple character in an environment known some times as harsh an full of intensity. She always made our Development Management classes easy-to-follow. I still have the memories of her smile and joy when teaching us in a very empathetic way. My deepest condolences to her family.

  36. Erik Berglof says:

    When Mayling did not show up for our appointment the other day I could not have imagined the reason. She was so full of life – of ideas and aspirations. Her work on understanding the complex Chinese state is deep and original. I was looking forward to many exciting conversations and research projects. She will be greatly missed in a global community of scholars, and I know, by her family and friends.

  37. Rogier Creemers says:

    Mayling was a truly innovative and compelling scholar. It was a privilege working with her on numerous events in Oxford, London and elsewhere. I always left the room intellectually richer than I entered. She was also a lovely and wonderful person. I will miss her.

  38. Leigh Jenco says:

    Mayling was one of the first people to show me around London and make me feel at home. She was an integral part of our LSE China Group and we have all learned so much from her. I am so shocked and saddened by her passing–condolences to all who knew her.

  39. Guoer Liu says:

    Like many great teachers I have met and learned from in my education and in my life, Mayling has always been a great inspiration for me. I always look up to her as a brilliant scholar, a cheerful supervisor/mentor, and an independent female role model. I miss you dearly Mayling.

  40. Guoer Liu says:

    Like many great teachers I have met and learned from in my education and in my life, Mayling has always been a great inspiration for me. I always look up to her as a brilliant scholar, a cheerful mentor/supervisor, and an independent female role model. I miss you dearly Mayling.

  41. Chris Hughes says:

    It is impossible to find words to express the loss of such a great colleague and scholar. My fondest memory of Mayling is when we shared a platform with Joshua Wong a the LSE to discuss the prospects for political change in Hong Kong, just before his trial. It was amazing to witness her sincere commitment to engaging with her subject as well as treating it with the academic expertise and objectivity that she had become world-renowned for. Her deep knowledge of Chinese politics on the ground and her great methodological prowess was something that we all gained from immensely. She is impossible to replace and will be sorely missed.

  42. Paroma Bhattacharya says:

    This is so shocking. Very sad to hear the news:( I was fortunate enough to be taught by her in 2012/2013. She taught me in my core course of Development Management & I remember her wonderful teachings about China so clearly, even today. My condolences to her family & friends. RIP Prof. Mayling Birney.

  43. Stephan Feuchtwang says:

    Like everyone else, I basked in the brightness of her interest, the thoroughness of her enquiry and the novelty of her ideas. It’s such a shock not to have the prospect of further exchanges with her. It’s as if we have been robbed.

  44. Rana Mitter says:

    I am deeply saddened to hear about Mayling’s passing. She gave a wonderful paper in Oxford just a few months ago and was clearly set to give a huge amount to the field. Many condolences to her family.

  45. lin chun says:

    I share the feelings colleagues have expressed and am grateful to the LSE ID department for this site. Mayling was young, conscientious and full of intellectual energy. I will always remember the few times she discussed with me the positive and negative connotations, or the normative and practical implications of what she saw as China’s “rule of mandate”. We also ventured into the notion’s unlikely global ramifications beyond the Sino-world. I too, would love to see her book published without delay. In sweet memory also of her personality and grace, I mourn our loss.

  46. YICONG GUO says:

    I got this hear-breaking news from my supervisor. I had to read the email dozens of times to force myself to confirm it. Mayling was my examiner in transfer viva. She is always so kind and warm. She enjoys life and brightens others. I still remermber several months ago she mentioned her love for the cuisine style of my hometown in China. That was the last time I saw her. The sunny and bright image of her will always stay alive. As a scholar, she is extraordinarily insightful about Chinese politics. Her work emplaining China’s actual governing mechanisms is among the most convincing and outstanding ones. This is truly a great loss to academia and all people that know mayling. My deepest condolensce to her family and friends.

  47. Yicong Guo says:

    I got this heart-breaking news from my supervisor. I had to read the email dozens of times to force myself to confirm it. Mayling was my examiner in transfer viva. She is always so kind and warm. She enjoys life and brightens others. I still remermber several months ago she mentioned her love for the cuisine style of my hometown in China. That was the last time I saw her. The sunny and bright image of her will always stay alive. As a scholar, she is extraordinarily insightful about Chinese politics. Her work emplaining China’s actual governing mechanisms is among the most convincing and outstanding ones. This is truly a great loss to academia and all people that know mayling. My deepest condolensce to her family and friends.

  48. Nick Barber says:

    This is awful news. Mayling was a warm and generous person, as well as a brilliant scholar. It is terrible to think that she is no longer with us.

  49. Sally Walkerman says:

    I did not know Mayling personally as she arrived at LSE just as I was leaving, but I can see from these comments that she was loved and respected. I just lost a dear friend in a tragic accident so I understand what everyone is going through, and my thoughts are with all who miss Mayling.

  50. Kyle Jaros says:

    I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear this news. I first met Mayling back in 2005 at a summer language study program in Hangzhou, and we crossed paths intermittently after that. It was a real pleasure to reconnect with Mayling in the UK over the past year, and my colleagues and I were lucky to be able to host her for a fascinating talk at the Oxford China Centre. I was greatly looking forward to interacting with her more, and am so sorry that I — and countless others — won’t have this chance. My condolences to Mayling’s family, friends, close colleagues, and students.

  51. Kun-Chin Lin says:

    We are deeply saddened to hear about Mayling’s passing. I met her through my wife at Nuffield College in 2004, and we met again during fieldwork in Beijing. We were overjoyed when she joined the growing community of young China scholars in London and Oxbridge. Mayling gave a great talk at Cambridge on “China’s Rule of Mandates” in 2015. She was vibrant, inspirational, and dedicated to her profession and her students – we mourn the profound loss. Our deepest condolences to her family.

  52. Fang-Long Shih says:

    It has always been pleasure to chat with Mayling. We met before I left for Taiwan – she rescheduled the meeting once as she had an awful migraine. When I saw her, she smiled, saying: “I feel better”. We then talked about headache, acupuncture, yoga, Chinese civil society, and writing a book etc. She also said she would love to go to Taiwan to visit her aunties. It is hard to accept this is our last conversation……I miss you, Mayling, and wish you have no pain and are happy wherever you are……

  53. Rory says:

    Mayling treated all of her students as she would a colleague: probing and questioning ideas that didn’t stand up and shoring up those that had merit. My condolences to her friends and loved ones. What a sad loss.

  54. Stuart Corbridge says:

    I was fortunate enough to help recruit Mayling to ID and LSE. She was a fantastic colleague from the very start – warm and inclusive, as someone has already said, and truly a great researcher and teacher. It is very upsetting to know that Mayling is no longer with us. I am very pleased, though, to read all the wise and warm words in this condolences page and am grateful to Ken and Jean-Paul for providing us with a collective space to remember Mayling. My condolences and best wishes to all family members and friends and to all former colleagues in ID and at LSE.

  55. Vera Zuo says:

    Deeply saddened and still hard to believe this. I first met Mayling in 2006 and have learned a lot from her on elections in China, and more recently from her book project on China’s “rule of mandate”. My memory of her presentation at Fudan last year remains fresh. She is a warm person, supportive and inspriational. I hope her book will still be published. My condolences to her family. May you rest in peace and have no pain, Mayling! You will be dearly missed.

  56. Vera Zuo says:

    Deeply saddened and still hard to believe this. I first met Mayling in 2006 and have learned a lot from her on elections in China, and more recently from her book project on China’s “rule of mandate.” My memory of her presentation at Fudan last year remain fresh… She is a warm person, supportive, and inspirational. I hope her book will still be published. My condolences to her family. May you rest in peace and have no pain, Mayling! You will be dearly missed.

  57. Claire Smith says:

    I only met Mayling briefly, when I was in my last term of teaching in late 2010 at LSE, when she was just arriving, but I enjoyed our conversations very much. She was so warm and inspiring, and had such brilliant ideas about understanding Chinese local governance. We had several lovely conversations about the comparative politics of authoritarian transitions in Asia. I would have loved to have more conversations about those things with her.
    My sincere condolences to all the faculty, her students and especially her family and friends for this loss

  58. Geoff Goodwin says:

    I had the pleasure of working with Mayling while I taught Development Management last year. She was a brilliant lecturer who cared deeply about the students. She was incredibly generous with her time. One of my clearest memories is of seeing students line-up outside her office to talk to her and seek her guidance. On a personal level, she was also very supportive and kind to me. Mayling went about her work with style and grace. I will miss her deeply and she will be a huge loss to the department and university. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family at this tragic time.

  59. Daniel Maffei says:

    I think so many of Mayling’s old friends and colleagues in the United States are just hearing of this shocking and tragic loss. I first met Mayling when we were both aides to U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. She went on to such a distinguished academic career and we kept in touch. She truly had all of the qualities any human being would want to have – intellectually brilliant, beautiful, and with an engaging personality and infectious enthusiasm for life. The last time I saw her – about a year ago – we got lost in central London talking about everything from child psychology to ancient history before finding our restaurant. (A good sense of direction was one of the few abilities Mayling lacked.) It was so much fun and an experience I will forever cherish. It’s hard to articulate how much I will miss her, and how shocking it is that she has been taken from us so soon.
    Dan Maffei, Commissioner on U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and
    Former Member of Congress

  60. Daniel Maffei says:

    I think so many of Mayling’s old friends and colleagues in the United States are just hearing of this shocking and tragic loss. I first met Mayling when we were both aides to U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. She went on to such a distinguished academic career and we kept in touch. She truly had all of the qualities any human being would want to have – intellectually brilliant, beautiful, and with an engaging personality and infectious enthusiasm for life. The last time I saw her – about a year ago – we got lost in central London taking about everything from child psychology to ancient history before finding our restaurant. (A good sense of direction was one of the few abilities Mayling lacked.) It was so much fun and an experience I will forever cherish. It’s hard to articulate how much I will miss her, and how shocking it is that she has been taken from us so soon.
    Dan Maffei, Commissioner on U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and
    Former Member of Congress

  61. YAN WANG says:

    I still can’t be convinced that she just left us forever. She is the very reason that I feel like belonging to LSE. She supported me when I was lost, gave me confidence and guidance whenever I need. Thank you for being my advisor and dearest friend, Mayling.

  62. Tim Besley says:

    I had the pleasure of discussing Mayling’s perspective on China on a number of occasions. I was certain that her thoughtfulness and originality would carry her far. It is so sad that her full potential as an academic will never be realised. My thoughts are especially with her friends and family at this time.

  63. Anthony J. Spires says:

    Although I think we met only a couple of times in person, over the past ten years I benefited greatly from a series of periodic email exchanges and phone calls with Mayling. She had a rare combination of great personal warmth and critical vision that made our interactions memorable and enjoyable. She made the world better and was taken too soon. My sincere condolences to her loved ones.

  64. Andrew Mutegi Paito says:

    I receive this message with shock indeed. Lost of words. It is such moments that bring me to the realisation that even when so scattered around the world, we have each other at heart. The Loss of Mayling leaves a huge gap not just to the teaching fraternity at LSE but in our hearts.

  65. Meg Rithmire says:

    Mayling was a kind and generous scholar and person. This is a tragic loss for the field, and my condolences to her family and friends.

  66. Malte Lierl says:

    On behalf of the organizers of this year’s Yale Africa-China conference, where Mayling was planning to speak on November 6, I would like to express our condolences to Mayling’s family, friends and colleagues. She will be missed in Beijing. It is a tragic loss that leaves a gap in the scholarly community and at Yale University.

  67. Evan Lieberman says:

    What a tragic loss. I am so very sorry to hear this unbelievably unexpected and sad news.

  68. Yi Fan says:

    Farewell, dear Mayling. I am shocked so much by her sudden passing away. We just met in February earlier this year, in front of NAB, chatting about updates in life. She was so enthusiastic and cheerful, as sunshine in the gloomy winter days. Still remember when she visited Singapore in the late 2015, talking about her research on Asian and China’s politics. She was so brilliant, full of passion, and warmhearted, as always. She was the one encouraging me during my lost in PhD, sharing the marvelous thoughts on modern China, and setting the role model of a rare combination of warm personality and sharp insights. Miss you always, dear Mayling. Rest in peace.

  69. Mengke Liang says:

    I knew Dr. Birney through taking her course at the LSE-PKU summer school in Beijing a few years back. She was very enthusiastic with teaching and engaged actively with us. I remember having lunch with her at the PKU café and she gave me advice on career development. I saw her again a couple of years ago and we caught up over dinner. She told me about writing the book on her study of China. I hope that her book gets to be published despite the sad news. Her academic legacy, I believe, will continue to influence future studies on China. So sorry to hear this and my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

  70. Danny Quah says:

    I got be a colleague with Mayling at International Development at LSE – when the intellectual atmosphere would brighten whenever she was part of the discussion. And she and I taught together in Beijing, on many hot August days for LSE-PKU Summer School, where we got to have long extended discussions on research, economics, and politics. Her company was always bright and sparkling, and full of wit and commitment, and learning and insight. This loss is a tragic one for all.

  71. Willem Maas says:

    Sad indeed. I learned of this a few days ago and still can’t quite believe we won’t meet again at a conference or reunion. Condolences to all who miss her.

  72. Vivian Zhan says:

    I’m shocked and saddened by the loss of Maylin. I still vividly remember our encounters at various conferences and her warm smile and intelligent comments. I can’t believe she left us at such an early stage. Maylin RIP! For us who are left behind, we should all cherish our life more…

  73. Ian Shapiro says:

    It is now almost a week since I heard this horrific news and I am still stunned. I knew Mayling for over fifteen years, first as a teacher but soon as a coauthor and friend. One thing to add to the many moving tributes posted here is that she was a person of parts and range. Before Yale she spent several years as a staffer in Senator Bill Bradley’s office on Capitol Hill, from which she derived a rich knowledge of Congress. I could never have written my book on the repeal of the estate tax without the education she gave me on the budget process and her invaluable help in setting up and then conducting scores of interviews with the various players. She could surely have had a career as a scholar of American politics, but she marched to her own drum guided by her own shining light. I watched with admiration as she transformed herself into an insightful scholar of China which resulted in a superb dissertation. Her work on mandates was quickly establishing her as a leader in the field, as others have noted. We will never know what else she would have contributed had she not been taken so early. There can be little doubt that it would have been substantial. She was also one of the most decent people I have known. She will be sorely missed.

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  75. Zoe Marriage says:

    I met Mayling in Cumberland Lodge on an LSE weekend. She made a great impression – fun, happy and interesting – and since then I have heard so many good things about her from those who were close to her. All sympathy to her family and friends.

  76. Brynne Dunn Jones says:

    I’ll never forget Mayling’s patience and humor as my seminar instructor for the MSc Development Management programme in 2010/2011. Thank you for sharing your light with us all, Mayling. We are all so fortunate to have learned from you.

  77. Ben Ansell says:

    I only met Mayling once when she invited me to speak at LSE but I had a wonderful afternoon with her, talking about London and about her fascinating work. This is just such sad news. My deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and colleagues.

  78. Isabella Neuweg says:

    Mayling’s work contributed significantly to my understanding of China’s governance system. Her personality showcased exceptionally well that you can be humble, constructive and intellectually sharp all at once: a role model for many academics.

  79. Abdul-Wadudu Adam Mohammed says:

    Mayling’s role in thinking through my dissertation at LSE ID was amazing. She offered direction and focus to my work in a humble,convincing and stimulating way at a time I truly needed that. Mayling, your going is a real loss to LSE ID, you will be remembered. Condolences to her loved ones and family.

  80. Elena Armas says:

    I had the pleasure of attending some lectures and seminars given by Dr Mayling Birney while I was studying my Masters last year. She was an admirable, excellent and strong professor. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

  81. Elena Armas says:

    I had the pleasure of attending some lectures and seminars given by Dr Mayling Birney while I was studying my Masters last year. She was an admirable, excellent and strong professor.

    My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

  82. Adoma Afful-Kwaw says:

    She was such a pleasant and patient person.

  83. D.LIU says:

    With my deepest sympathy

    Dr Birney contributed so much work on China policy. Her works and contribution are absolutely pioneering in my perspective.

    As a reader, I feel so sad about this tragedy, and she will be remembered. Condolences to her family, friends and colleges.

  84. Martin Williams says:

    Mayling was always such a thoughtful and constructive presence in seminars. She’ll be greatly missed.

  85. Minkyu Lee says:

    As a fellow LSE alumnus and one who is currently doing an international development work in Ghana, Africa, this tragic news came much more shocking to me. Although I do not know her personally nor her work, I deeply feel the meaning of this loss and sincerely hope her death will be remembered by LSE, International and African development community. Rest In Peace, our Mayling.

  86. Minkyu Lee says:

    As a fellow LSE alumnus and one who is currently doing an international development work in Ghana, Africa, this tragic news came much more shocking to me. Although I do not know her personally nor her work, I deeply feel the meaning of this loss and sincerely hope her death will be remembered by LSE, International development community. Rest In Peace, our Mayling.

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