The Pacific Affairs, the Journal of Asian Studies, and Democracy published reviews for George Guo's new book The Politics of the Core Leader in China.
In the Pacific Affairs (vol. 93, no. 1, March 2020), Robert Dayley wrote in his book review:
Xuezhi Guo’s new book is an exceptionally valuable addition to the literature on elite politics in China. It presents readers with an insightful analysis of political leadership by way of an eclectic approach that represents the best of theoretically informed area studies research. Guo’s study is engaging, dispassionate, and convincing.
Beyond the book’s academic readership, the foreign policy establishment in the world’s democracies would also be wise to pick up this book, read it, study it, and mark it up. The benefits of doing so may not end with current policy considerations but could extend to the next generation of global leaders who will govern alongside China’s “core” leader when today’s more transitory leaders have passed from the scene. Let’s hope Xuezhi Guo’s meticulous and thought-provoking work remains a key reference for years to come.
In the Journal of Asian Studies [vol. 79, no. 1, February 2020], Shiping Zheng wrote in his book review:
Focusing on a metaphor in Confucian thinking that "all stars twinkle around the moon," Guo suggests that the desire for the "core" leader has been embedded in the ruling philosophy of the CCP because the Chinese political system fears chaos and strives for a stable and unified leadership led by a capable and powerful paramount leader. This is a crucial factor for the party leadership to ensure effective discipline and control over party members, containment of corruption, a push for political and social programs, a guarantee of unity and stability, and promotion of economic prosperity.
The Politics of the Core Leader in China makes an important contribution to our understanding of the cultural and structural variables influencing the practice of elite politics in China. The book is informative and thought-provoking and is a "must-read" for anyone interested in Chinese politics in general and in Xi Jinping's astonishing rise to power in particular.
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