Joseph Torigian

Dr. Joseph Torigian, a research fellow and author, dives deep into the life of Xi Zhongxun, the father of Xi Jinping, and his monumental influence on China's current political landscape. The discussion reveals how Xi Zhongxun's struggles during the Cultural Revolution fostered values in his son like sacrifice for the greater good. Torigian outlines Xi Zhongxun’s pivotal roles in ethnic policies and Taiwan relations, presenting a lens to understand Xi Jinping's aspirations and his Hobbesian worldview rooted in his father's legacy.

In this discussion, Joseph Torigian, author of "Prestige, Manipulation and Coercion," brings his expertise on elite power struggles in China and the Soviet Union. He dives into Khrushchev's rise post-Stalin and the political chess games of Mao's successors, including Deng Xiaoping’s complex leadership. The talk highlights the finer points of rivalry, manipulation, and the fundamental challenges of authority in authoritarian regimes. Co-host Lizzi adds insights from her background in Chinese politics, enriching the conversation on these historical dynamics.