Pekingology Why Does the CCP Need a Core?
Mar 13, 2025
Xuezhi Guo, the Lincoln Financial Professor of Political Science at Guilford College and author of 'The Politics of the Core Leader in China,' dives into the evolution of China's political leadership. He discusses the crucial shift under Xi Jinping from collective leadership to concentrated power, linking it to historical practices of core leadership. Guo highlights how Confucianism and Legalism have shaped governance while elucidating the balance needed between strongmen and collective rule. The conversation also explores the implications for the future of China's political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Core Leader's Role
- The core leader in China historically promotes unity and compliance within the party and society.
- This concept blends traditional Chinese thought with communist ideology, emphasizing the leader's central role.
Confucianism vs. Legalism
- Confucianism views the ideal leader as a benevolent sage king, while Legalism prioritizes a skillful strategist.
- Chinese political thought blends these, emphasizing the leader's practical skills and moral authority.
Centralized Leadership
- Jude Blanchette suggests that China's political culture, regardless of ruling party, predisposes it towards centralized leadership.
- This contrasts with American political culture, which emphasizes checks and balances on executive power.