Lecture Notes: Leadership Transitions in Communist Countries and China's Political Dynamics

Historical Context of Communist Leadership Transitions

• Soviet Union Leadership:
  • No peaceful leadership transitions in Soviet history.
  • 8 Secretaries between 1922-1991; 6 died in office, 1 overthrown, Gorbachev saw dissolution.
• China's Transition:
  • Jiang Zemin resigned peacefully in early 2000s.
  • First peaceful leadership transition in a major Communist country.
  • Introduced "intra-party democracy"; leaders became progressively less powerful.
  • Term limits introduced; expected retirement age set at 68.

Xi Jinping's Reversal of Democratic Progress

• Return to One-Man Rule:
  • Xi in third term, no successor, minimal competition.
  • Reversal from intra-party democracy to centralized power.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Structure

• National Party Congress:
  • 2,300 delegates from various social strata (farmers, celebrities, etc.).
  • Ethnic minorities showcased, event is highly choreographed.
  • Strict security measures; VPNs blocked, dissenters detained.
• Political Report:
  • Speech reflecting past 5 years, setting priorities.
  • Vague Leninist slogans like "Three Represents," "Four Comprehensives".
• Central Committee and Politburo:
  • Delegates "elect" Central Committee from pre-decided candidates.
  • Central Committee elects Politburo; Politburo elects Standing Committee.

State-Party Relationship

• Party vs. State:
  • CCP part of a United Front in the government.
  • Party congress elects General Secretary, People’s Congress elects President.
  • Xi Jinping holds dual roles of General Secretary and President.
  • Party above state; PLA reports to Party.

Power Dynamics in China

• Power Not Title-Dependent:
  • Deng Xiaoping influential without official titles.
  • Jiang Zemin remained influential post-resignation.
• Xi Jinping's Rise to Power:
  • Princeling, privileged upbringing.
  • Strategic career path outside city centers.
  • Few competitors due to retirement, lack of connections, discrimination.
  • Swift consolidation of power through military reorganization, anti-corruption campaigns.

Contemporary Analysis and Observations

• Xi's Unique Position:
  • More powerful since Mao, but distinct from Mao.
  • Requires understanding of both historical and current contexts.

Additional Resources

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