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"Moment of Zen"

Who Controls China When Xi Jinping Is Gone? | Samo Burja

Mar 29, 2025
Samo Burja, an expert on Chinese politics and economics, delves into the complexities surrounding Xi Jinping's rule and the future of China's governance. He explains how cartels operate like businesses, intertwining with political elites. The conversation highlights the economic ramifications of the drug trade and legalization, parallels between Mexico and China's political landscape, and the ongoing struggle for power within the Communist Party. Burja also evaluates Xi's legacy, exploring challenges for future leadership and the potential for scientific innovation in a politically charged environment.
56:19

Episode guests

Samo Burja

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Xi Jinping's centralization of power has shifted China's governance from an oligarchic structure to a more monarchical style, consolidating control over the Communist Party.
  • The uncertainty surrounding Xi's successor poses risks for China's political stability and future economic policies, complicating the regime's continuity.

Deep dives

Xi Jinping's Power Structure

Xi Jinping is recognized as one of the most powerful leaders globally, holding multiple titles that contribute to his authority in China, including president of the People's Republic and general secretary of the Communist Party. His rise has been marked by a significant centralization of power, transitioning from an oligarchic structure under his predecessors to a more monarchical style of governance. This shift involved dismantling previous political factions, such as the Shanghai and League cliques, and replacing their members with loyalists, leading to greater personal control. The anti-corruption campaign he initiated not only addressed rampant corruption but also served to consolidate his power by removing potential rivals and critics from the political landscape.

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