"Moment of Zen" Who Controls China When Xi Jinping Is Gone? | Samo Burja
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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.
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Xi Jinping's Power Consolidation
- Xi Jinping has centralized power, holding key positions in the Chinese government and military.
- This shift towards a more monarchical system differs from the previous oligarchic model.
Xi's Rise and Factional Politics
- Xi Jinping rose through the Shanghai clique but consolidated power by removing members from both that and the League clique.
- This dismantled a nascent two-party system within the Communist Party and established personal loyalty as paramount.
Anti-Corruption Campaign and Power
- Xi Jinping used an anti-corruption campaign to replace officials with personally loyal personnel.
- While corruption was real, its convenient use aided Xi's power grab.