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.
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of a 'core leader' in China has evolved to create stability and unity, mirroring historical leadership structures like emperors.
- Xi Jinping's rise as a core leader reflects his unique strategy in consolidating power through loyal networks, with risks tied to this dominance.
Deep dives
Understanding China's Political Leadership
China's political framework demonstrates a historically significant notion of the 'core leader' which has evolved over centuries. This concept promotes cohesion and unity within the party and the nation, driven by the core leader's ability to establish authority through a combination of moral, instrumental, and emotional connections. The role of the core leader is akin to that of the emperor in traditional Chinese dynasties, where strong leadership was essential for national stability and governance. This historical context illustrates how the Communist Party of China's leadership has retained and adapted these principles, embedding the core leader's influence into the party’s organizational structure.
