Socialism, Capitalism, and Modernity

China’s fast economic rise has not dented its dictatorship, but Xi Jinping’s neo-Stalinist strategy has unleashed new challenges and tensions for the Communist Party’s long-term prospects for survival.

Levels of regime strength and links to the West help to explain authoritarian breakdown, but the ruler’s popularity also matters.

The resilience of the Chinese authoritarian regime is approaching its limits. A breakthrough moment could be triggered by several kinds of events.