China's Leaders From Mao to Now

by Shambaugh, David

• ISBN13: 9781509546510
• ISBN10: 1509546510
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2021-08-30
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China over 70 years ago, five paramount leaders have shaped the fates and fortunes of the nation and the ruling Chinese Communist Party: Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping. Under their leaderships, China has undergone an extraordinary transformation from an undeveloped and insular country to a comprehensive world power.

In this definitive study, renowned Sinologist David Shambaugh offers a refreshing account of China’s dramatic post-revolutionary history through the prism of those who ruled it. Exploring the persona, formative socialization, psychology, and professional experiences of each leader, Shambaugh shows how their differing leadership styles and tactics of rule shaped China domestically and internationally: Mao was a populist tyrant, Deng a pragmatic Leninist, Jiang a bureaucratic politician, Hu a technocratic apparatchik, and Xi a modern emperor. Covering the full scope of these leaders’ personalities and power, this is an illuminating guide to China’s modern history and understanding how China has become the superpower of today.

Author Biography

David Shambaugh is an internationally recognized authority and award-winning author on contemporary China and the international relations of Asia. He is the Gaston Sigur Professor of Asian Studies, Political Science & International Affairs, and Director of the China Policy Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.  He was previously Reader in Chinese Politics in the University of London’s School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), where he also served as Editor of The China Quarterly.  Professor Shambaugh is also a frequent commentator in the international media, serves on a number of editorial boards, and has been a consultant to the US and UK governments, research institutions, foundations, and private corporations.  As an author he has written or edited more than thirty books, several of which have been selected by The Economist among the “Best Books of the Year.”

Table of Contents

List of Boxes, Tables and Figures

Preface and Acknowledgements

1. On China’s Leaders and Leadership

2. Mao Zedong: Populist Tyrant

3. Deng Xiaoping: Pragmatic Leninist

4. Jiang Zemin: Bureaucratic Politician

5. Hu Jintao: Technocratic Apparatchik
 
6. Xi Jinping: Modern Emperor

7. Conclusion: China’s Leaders in Perspective

Notes