China's New Red Guards

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Since Deng Xiaoping's de-radicalization of China in the 1980s, debates have emerged about the country's potential paths, including democratization and capitalism. However, a significant discussion regarding a political resurgence of Mao Zedong has been largely absent. Jude Blanchette reveals in his analysis that contemporary China is experiencing a revival of extreme authoritarianism reminiscent of the Mao era. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, there is an increase in state control over the economy, a sustained attack on civil society, and an unprecedented expansion of the Communist Party's influence. Xi's declaration in late 2017 emphasized the party's leadership across all sectors of society. This trend is further fueled by a grassroots backlash against Western notions of modernity, such as political pluralism and the rule of law. A group of nationalist intellectuals and activists has sparked a populist enthusiasm for Maoist policies. This work not only reshapes our understanding of the political dynamics in contemporary China but also illustrates how ideologies can endure and thrive despite predictions of their decline.