Succession challenges in autocratic political systems

Succession in autocratic political systems is a complex and difficult process. Autocratic leaders prefer successors who can protect their legacy and personal safety, but the successor also needs to build their own power base. In China, the succession process seemed relatively stable during Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao's leadership, thanks to power sharing dynamics and decisions made by Deng Xiaoping. However, Xi Jinping changed the succession system to centralize power in his own hands, eliminating potential rivals and sidelining influential figures. As a result, the successor's dilemma resurfaced, with Xi Jinping having the final say in choosing his eventual successor.