Xi: A Study in Power

Description

Although Xi Jinping came to power a decade ago, he remains an enigmatic figure in the West. His priority has always been to keep Chinese society as stable as possible, steering a course through a period of astounding economic growth, while ensuring that nothing challenges the political status quo. But with unrest stirring in Hong Kong, reports of human rights abuses taking place in the Xinjiang region and, devastatingly, the outbreak of a virus that would change the world, suddenly understanding Xi's China is more important than ever before. In this short and timely book, academic and author Kerry Brown will examine the complexities behind the man, explaining the impact that his rule is already having on the West. But who is Xi really, and what is his vision for China's future? And, crucially, what does that mean for the rest of the world?

Kerry Brown is a Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at Kings College London. He is the author of over ten books on modern Chinese politics, history and language.

Kerry Brown's Xi is the perfect primer for understanding Xi Jinping's status as China's greatest ruler since Mao and as this century's least assailable statesman' -- John Keay, author of China: A History Brown's book provides a very readable account of Xi's childhood and rise through the ranks of the Communist party ... an interesting story -- Gideon Rachman * Financial Times * A valuable primer for anyone looking to get up to speed on Xi Jinping's rise to global power -- Jeff Wasserstrom * Guardian * There are many books in English about Xi's China, but you'll struggle to find one on the man himself. This book by an academic who has worked and lived in China is a welcome contribution to filling that gap. -- Tim Marshall * Reaction * Highly readable and concise ... A nuanced and thorough explanation of Xi's China and why the Communist Party, for all its flaws, has long life in it -- Oliver Farry * Irish Times * A zesty, fast-paced, very 'human' read... [a] forensic political account -- Neil Mackay * Herald * Written by the veteran British China-watcher Kerry Brown... Brown pithily sums up [Xi Jinping's guiding vision] as "making China great again by making the Party great again" -- Tom Miller * Spectator *