Coalitions of the Weak

Victor Shih, an associate professor at UC San Diego, delves into the intricate elite politics of China, drawing from his insights in elite political strategies. He intriguingly discusses the delicate balance dictators maintain to avoid empowering capable deputies too much, and the shifts in power dynamics post-Mao. Shih also examines how Mao’s 'coalitions of the weak' contrast with Deng's approach and highlights the struggles of 1990s princelings, particularly how Xi Jinping's rise reflects these evolving strategies amid complex internal and geopolitical challenges.