Pekingology China Across CSIS: PRC Leadership Decisionmaking with Mr. Jon Czin
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May 15, 2025 Jon Czin, the Michael H. Armacost Chair in Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings and former CIA analyst, delves into the intricate decision-making within the People's Republic of China. He discusses Xi Jinping’s rise to power, the influence of personal experiences on leadership, and the complex relationship between China’s domestic politics and its foreign policy strategy, particularly regarding the U.S. Czin highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of Chinese political dynamics.
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Diminishing Depth in Chinese Politics Study
- The field studying Chinese elite politics has become thinner and less dynamic over the last decade.
- Many discussions lack deep understanding of key players and internal political dynamics in China.
Xi's Rise Defied Expectations
- Pre-Xi Jinping analysis wrongly assumed collective leadership would limit power concentration.
- This framework failed to predict Xi's rise and power consolidation, reflecting an analytical failure.
Challenges of Studying Chinese Politics
- Chinese politics study is tough, possibly less appealing to new scholars due to restricted info and complexity.
- Significant internal party drama exists beneath surface despite outward stability.