Chinese Democracy is the sixth studio album by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, released on November 23, 2008, through Geffen Records and Black Frog. It was their first album of original material since Use Your Illusion I and II (1991), it was also the first to feature none of the classic lineup members aside from vocalist Axl Rose. The album's development spanned over a decade, becoming one of the most protracted and expensive recording processes in rock history, with reported costs exceeding $13 million.

Recorded amid lineup upheavals, legal disputes, and leaks, Chinese Democracy saw Rose collaborate with a rotating cast of musicians and producers, including band members Dizzy Reed, Paul Tobias, Robin Finck, Josh Freese, Tommy Stinson, Chris Pitman, Buckethead, Richard Fortus, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Brain and Frank Ferrer, and producers Youth, Sean Beavan and Roy Thomas Baker. It is the first Guns N' Roses album not produced by Mike Clink; instead, Rose and Caram Costanzo handled production.

The album blends hard rock with industrial and electronic influences, a shift from the band's previous blues and punk-based music. Upon release, it debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, and was certified platinum, receiving generally favorable reviews for its ambition and vocal performances, though its production and lengthy recording process drew mixed reactions. Retrospective assessments have acknowledged its complex legacy, often overshadowed by the mythology surrounding its creation.

In September 1991, Guns N' Roses released the albums Use Your Illusion I and II, selling a combined 35 million copies. That November, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin left the band, citing exhaustion with the current tour and conflicts with bandmates. He was replaced by Gilby Clarke. In 1993, they released "The Spaghetti Incident?", an album of glam and punk rock cover songs. Though certified platinum in 1994, it sold far less than their previous releases, and the band didn't tour to support it.

In 1994, the band began writing new material, but McKagan said "nothing got finished" due to drug use. Slash accused Rose of running the band "like a dictatorship", while Rose claimed collaboration was impossible, leading to the material being scrapped.

In 1994, Rose replaced Clarke with his childhood friend Paul "Huge" Tobias, without consulting the band. He became "obsessed" with electronica and industrial rock, particularly Nine Inch Nails, and pushed for a more modern sound. Other members opposed Tobias and the stylistic shift, deepening tensions.

In early 1995, Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde auditioned as second guitarist. That August, Rose legally left the band and formed a new partnership under its name (reportedly purchasing the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name in 1997.) Slash departed in 1996, citing creative differences with Rose and issues with Tobias. McKagan described the sessions as indulgent and chaotic: "Axl brought [Tobias] in and said, 'This is our new guitar player' ... There was no democracy... Slash started going, 'Fuck this. What, this is his band now?'. I'd show up at 10, and Axl would arrive at four or five in the morning."

In January 1997, Slash was replaced by ex-Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck. The following month, electronic musician Moby briefly worked with the band, praising their use of loops but conflicting with Rose over recording vocals. He pulled out to focus on his solo work, later admitting he was not suited to produce a rock band. Other producers considered included Mike Clink, Scott Litt, Steve Lillywhite, and Mark Bell.