WSJ > How Xi Jinping Overcomes Dissidents with Stalin and Mao's Tricks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is reportedly drawing on the playbook of historical autocrats like Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong as he moves to solidify his grip on power and extend his rule.

This approach suggests a deliberate strategy to leverage the methods of past strongmen to ensure his continued leadership. The comparison to Stalin, known for his purges and absolute control over the Soviet Union, and Mao, the architect of the People's Republic of China and its tumultuous political campaigns, highlights the perceived authoritarian direction of Xi's consolidation of power.

The article frames Xi's actions as a conscious effort to emulate tactics that have historically been used to establish and maintain absolute authority. By invoking these figures, the piece implies a focus on securing a lasting legacy and dominance within China's political landscape, potentially signaling a shift towards more centralized and assertive governance.