Talks from the Hoover Institution
Fireside Chat With Stephen Kotkin & US House Select Committee on China
Apr 21, 2025
Stephen Kotkin, a Kleinheinz Senior Fellow and an expert on authoritarian regimes, joins U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who focuses on the Chinese Communist Party. They delve into the geopolitical threats posed by China and discuss lessons from Leninist regimes, emphasizing the challenges of sharing power. Kotkin analyzes Xi Jinping's strategic risk-taking and its implications for Taiwan. They advocate for a unified bipartisan strategy to effectively counter China's ambitions and discuss the critical need to invest in America's youth for future success.
55:57
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Quick takeaways
- The discussion highlights that Leninist regimes face inherent challenges in reform, risking collapse when political openings are attempted, particularly in the context of China.
- The conversation emphasizes that U.S. competition with China should focus on domestic investments and reinvigorating American strengths to present a cohesive alternative to the Chinese model.
Deep dives
Understanding the Leninist Regime
The discussion highlights the unique characteristics of a Leninist regime, which is defined by the Communist Party's monopoly on power. Any attempt at political reform within such a system is deemed risky and self-destructive, as it could lead to demands for the party's overthrow. Historical instances such as Hungary in 1956 and the Soviet Union under Gorbachev illustrate the inability of Leninist regimes to sustain political openings without facing potential collapse. Consequently, this context underscores the importance of recognizing these limitations when engaging with China on diplomatic or political fronts.
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