Continuities and Breaks in Chinese Socialism: Contrasting Mao and Xi

Recent events in China illustrate similarities between Mao
Zedong’s and Xi Jinping’s construction of socialist ideology
specifically when it comes to class struggle, economic legitimacy,
solidarity, as well as cooperation elicited by propaganda efforts
and the construction of common enemy. These similarities in
construction have led to concern that Xi’s governance will lead to
a catastrophic outcome, similar to that of Mao’s administration.
However, this paper argues that, based on current data and
scholarship, Xi is different from Mao in that Xi’s policies are
proactive and grounded in actual realities. Moreover, his
recognition that political and social stability are conducive to a
country’s economic growth indicates that his administration will
not lead to Mao’s level of political, economic, and social disaster