Joseph Torigian

Joseph Torigian, Associate Professor of Political Science, shares insights from his upcoming book about Xi Zhongxun, the father of Xi Jinping. He discusses his innovative mosaic theory, illustrating how complex narratives in elite Chinese politics are formed from fragmented evidence. Torigian also highlights the emotional depth in political biographies, the intricacies of teaching political systems, and the challenges scholars face in interpreting China's historical rise. His views reveal the nuanced interplay of power, ideology, and personal stories in shaping contemporary governance.

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.