The Culture of Leadership in Contemporary China: Conflict, Values, and Perspectives for a New Generation

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The resurgence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism in the context of Chinese leadership values has emerged as a foundation for a new generation of leaders. The once-in-a-decade transition of Chinas leadership witnessed the ascendency of a consensus-oriented fifth generation of leaders supporting a central authoritative figure whose priority will likely include the reconciliation of a waning communist ideology juxtaposed with its ostensible embrace of capitalism. How will Chinese Communist Party authority, ideology, and control address the encroachment of Western values that are centered on Roman law, Greek philosophy, and Christian religion which prioritizes individual freedom and democracy

This book examines the role of traditional Chinese values, ideology, and philosophy as a key determinant in modern Chinas leadership succession. The author asserts that, as communist ideology wanes, Chinese leaders will turn to their own traditional values found in Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism to establish legitimacy to rule as they seek to promote Chinese prominence and greatness in the world.

The authors research assesses Chinas promotion of its own traditional values in rejecting foreign value influence. Since the inception of modern China at the beginning of the 20th century, Chinas leadership transition has evolved from an authoritarian, cult-like dictatorship to a consensus-oriented process. In researching this metamorphosis, this book offers social, political, cultural, and historical perspectives to demonstrate that Chinese human values and character factors have risen in prominence as key elements in the mandate of Chinese governance and leadership.

The author concludes that Chinese leadership values and its study and diffusion across sectors of Chinese leadershipincluding business, organizations, and governmenthave become a means to accentuate Chinese values as a viable alternative to Western claims of absolute and universally accepted values.

Reviews

Paul Linehan's study offers the exceedingly rare combination of insight and judgment from a professional who has both a wealth of firsthand experience of involvement in USChinese policy and practice as well as a sophisticated interdisciplinary intellectual grasp on the distinctive nature and dynamics of the culture of leadership in China. It would be hard to imagine a more authoritative or trustworthy analysis of a critically important topic than this one. -- Francis J. Ambrosio, Georgetown University
Paul Linehan has broken new ground with this closely researched and carefully written analysis of Chinese leadership. He analyzes the mix of traditional Chinese values, communist ideology, and Western liberal influences that currently affect Beijings decision making. Most impressive is Linehans ability to synthesize these disparate ideological and practical influences to arrive at an analysis both theoretically interesting and useful for US policymakers. -- Bernard D. Cole, National War College
Paul Linehan's methodical yet creative study of Chinas major political figures in the modern era reminds us all of the importance of culture in a time when its too often seen as irrelevant. By studying the range of leaders, their styles, and the culture affecting each of them, Linehan brings modern Chinese leadership to life. His work fills an important gap in the English literature on China's leadership and on some figures whose names are known but their styles not. His work will stand as a crucial piece for students and interested newcomers to the field for a long while. -- Cynthia Watson, National War College
This is a timely and comprehensive book that provides important insight into China's past and current leadership, examining their informing ideologies, backgrounds, worldviews, and priorities. This in-depth analysis is particularly informative today, during a time when an individual leader, Xi Jinping, holds an especially significant level of power and influence over China's governance. Paul Linehan's many years of experience and extensive research provides readers with a deeper understanding of China's leadership and, in turn, a better understanding of their decision-making process. -- Chi Wang, The U.S.-China Policy Foundation
From Sun Yat-sen to Xi Jinping, at near breakneck speed Paul Linehans excellent volume will take the reader on a tour dhorizon of the intellectual foundations of the key leaders of Chinas revolution. With the Great Tradition as backdrop, he provides insights into how each leader has approached Chinas enduring quest for sovereignty, modernity, and stability. -- David M. Finkelstein, Center for Naval Analyses

Author Bio

Paul Michael Linehan received a doctorate from Georgetown University.