The Succession Problem in the People's Republic of China.

Abstract

In light of Deng Xiaoping's advanced age, the Chinese leaders, without a historical precedent of smooth institutional succession or the ability to rely on legal documents, are, once again, facing the same pattern of uncertainty, instability, conflict and major policy change related to succession. This thesis explores the problems and possible solutions of the succession issue. First, five factors are identified as the major problems associated with the Chinese succession. The People's Liberation Army is examined as a political and military institution on the one hand, and as a participant in the political succession struggle on the other. The concept of political power base is analyzed by examining Deng Xiaoping vs Hua Guofeng. The next chapter deal with Deng's attempt to build a consensus that will avoid repeating turbulence associated with succession. In the conclusion, an attempt is made to speculate the near term (5-10 years) outcome of PRC succession politics. An epilogue discusses the United States' near term interest(s) in PRC and recommends a policy alternative.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA159046

Entities

People

  • C. Y. Huang

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Commerce
  • Economic Systems
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • International Relations
  • Management Personnel
  • Market Economy
  • Military Science
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Students
  • United States Military Academy
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Systems Analysis and Design