Suchergebnisse

The origins of the Cultural Revolution are still shrouded in uncertainty. Crucial questions either remain unanswered or have been given answers which derive from conflicting interpretations. To what period can the direct origins of the Cultural Revolution be traced? What issues, if any, divided the leadership, and how deep were these divisions? What was the state of power relations and what was Mao's position? Why did developments in the period preceding the Cultural Revolution reach a climax in such a convulsion? Between Two Plenums examines these questions as they apply to the years 1959–1962. At base, the perspective of pre-Cultural Revolution politics adopted therein is that of "conflict" rather than "consensus." From this vantage point, the Eighth and Tenth Plenums loom in retrospect as important watersheds in the development of the intraleadership conflict which culminated in the great upheaval.

The origins of the Cultural Revolution are still shrouded in uncertainty. Crucial questions either remain unanswered or have been given answers which derive from conflicting interpretations. To what period can the direct origins of the Cultural Revolution be traced? What issues, if any, divided the leadership, and how deep were these divisions? What was the state of power relations and what was Mao's position? Why did developments in the period preceding the Cultural Revolution reach a climax in such a convulsion?Between Two Plenums examines these questions as they apply to the years 1959–1962. At base, the perspective of pre-Cultural Revolution politics adopted therein is that of "conflict" rather than "consensus." From this vantage point, the Eighth and Tenth Plenums loom in retrospect as important watersheds in the development of the intraleadership conflict which culminated in the great upheaval.

Analyzes factors which will determine the leadership's capacity to rule, including the political system, popular acceptance, regional politics, and civil-military relations.

It is axiomatic among observers that in the transition to the post-Deng era, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will play a pivotal role. This is understandable. Until now, the army has been a central force in Chinese politics owing to the unique Party-army relationship that has existed since the founding of the Communist regime. Although this relationship will change in the near future, the importance of the military will not: they will remain indispensable backers of the new leadership. This is because they command the forces which may be used to determine the outcome of an elite power struggle, displace rebellious local figures, put down a mass uprising or even carry out a coup.

According to the author, until now, the PLA (People's Liberation Army) has been a central force in Chinese politics owing to the unique Party-army relationship that has existed since the founding of the Communist regime. Although this relationship will change in the near future, the importance of the military will not: they will remain indispensable backers of the new leadership. The author examines Party-army relations in China as they have evolved until now in order to create a basis for speculation about their possible courses in the future and discusses five possible scenarios. (DÜI-Sen)

The author notes that as the Deng era draws to a close, it is axiomatic among many observers that post-Deng politics in China will be marked by a rise of regionalism. Whether or not tendencies towards regionalism materialize in this country will depend on many factors. One of the most important is the role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He examines the role of the PLA regarding regionalism in China with special reference to the potential for military regionalism in the early 1950s, regionalism during the Cultural Revolution and the fusion of nationalism and communism. (DÜI-Sen)