What is it about?
This chapter explores how Chinese leader Xi Jinping maintains his power and control over China, focusing on his political approach known as "Xi Jinping Thought." It explains that, rather than traditional ideologies or philosophies like democracy or communism, Xi’s approach is centered around one main goal: keeping the Chinese Communist Party firmly in power and ensuring China's stability. To achieve this, Xi combines ideas from different sources, including China's ancient philosophies and recent history, in a way that strengthens the Party’s hold on the country. The chapter also discusses how the West often misunderstands Xi’s strategy because it doesn’t fit into familiar Western political models. Instead of seeing China as simply another authoritarian regime, the chapter suggests that it’s important to look at Xi’s strategy through a unique lens, recognizing it as a “regime maintenance paradigm” – a system focused entirely on sustaining the Party’s rule and securing China’s future according to its own goals, known as the "Chinese Dream." This vision is for China to become a strong, respected nation, but one that prioritizes stability and control over the types of freedoms and democratic values seen in the West.
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Why is it important?
Reading this chapter is important for anyone interested in understanding China’s global role, including the general public, policymakers, and business leaders. It provides a clear, accessible view of Xi Jinping’s leadership approach, which is critical for anyone trying to interpret China’s actions on the world stage. This chapter shows that Xi’s focus is not just on traditional Communist ideals or a simple drive for economic growth. Instead, it reveals that his primary goal is to maintain power and stability within China, shaping the country's future in ways that can affect global politics, trade, and international relations. For policymakers, this chapter offers insight into the foundations of Xi's political strategy, allowing for more informed and realistic approaches in diplomatic negotiations or trade discussions. Business leaders can also benefit, as they’ll gain a better understanding of the factors influencing Chinese policies, which may impact investments, partnerships, and operations in China. For the public, this chapter demystifies China's unique approach, which is often misinterpreted through a Western lens. It offers a framework to better understand why China sometimes takes actions that may seem puzzling, like tightly controlling its population or making assertive moves internationally. Understanding Xi’s “regime maintenance paradigm” helps readers appreciate China’s priorities, which could be essential as China continues to grow in influence and challenges existing global norms.
Perspectives
This book, China under Xi Jinping: an Interdisciplinary Assessment, is an essential resource for understanding the profound changes that have taken place in China over the past decade under Xi Jinping’s leadership. By examining Xi’s unique approach and the reforms he has implemented, the book offers valuable insights into the political, economic, social, cultural, and foreign policy shifts that define contemporary China. With topics ranging from Xi Jinping Thought and China’s economic rise to its response to global challenges and potential insecurities, this work provides a comprehensive view of how Xi’s administration has shaped China’s internal landscape and its ambitions on the world stage. For policymakers, scholars, and the general public, this volume will deepen their understanding of China’s trajectory, giving readers a well-rounded perspective on the forces that drive China today and the direction it may take in the future.
Yan Bennett
George Washington University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Xi Jinping’s Regime Maintenance Paradigm, October 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004691087_004.
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Resources
China Under Xi Jinping
China under Xi Jinping: an Interdisciplinary Assessment offers an overview of reforms and changes that took place in China under Xi Jinping’s administration in years 2012–2022. The book focuses on the impact of Xi’s rule on China’s political system, with special attention given to the features that distinguish Xi from his predecessors. The authors discuss, among others, the Xi Jinping Thought and the nature of his leadership, factors contributing to China’s economic success, the future of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s response to challenges in terms of security, climate policy, energy transition, pandemics, as well as its ambition to become a global superpower in domains such as space exploration and sports. The volume also analyzes the influence that Xi Jinping’s government has exerted on the Chinese state, society, and culture, concentrating on areas such as healthcare, education, politics regarding religion, the evolution of Chinese nationalism, the developments in Chinese cinema, music, language, and even political humor. To understand what characterizes Xi as a politician and how his time in office is reflected in today’s China, experts on China-related matters appear in five parts, or “dimensions” including: political, economic, social, cultural, and foreign policy issues. This publication will spark the readers’ interest in and increase their awareness concerning the developments in the People’s Republic of China under Xi Jinping.
Author Bio on Routledge
Features chapters by Yan Bennett.
American Policy Discourses on China: Implications from the Past and Predictions for the Future
This book’s compelling analysis examines the narratives surrounding US-China relations from early American perspectives to the present day, revealing enduring perceptions of China that continue to significantly influence policy decisions. As revealed through discourse, Americans find China to be an amalgam of the curious and fantastic, a “swirling kaleidoscope” of emotion and intellectual challenge. 19th century depictions of China amounted to an odd assortment of images that did not add up to a single cohesive vision. 20th century perceptions about China merged ancient philosophers with political leaders, knitted ancient philosophy with socialist ideals, and amplified the exotic while minimizing the more mundane, evoking a spectrum of American passions, hopes, and fears. In the 21st century, this "swirling kaleidoscope" continues to shape American perspectives on China. The book offers a unique examination of the complex history of the modern world’s most important bilateral relationship. Through the lens of discourse analysis, it provides a fresh perspective, unveiling previously overlooked narratives, illuminating the dynamics between these global powerhouses, and suggesting pathways for the future.
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