"An excellent starting place for anyone interested in the mechanisms of China's government and its key figures." --Byron Rigel Hauck, Europe-Asia Studies "Offers valuable insights into personal and political aspects of Xi's China and how he has shaped the country." --Junchen Zhang, Asian Studies Review "A very good introduction to recent Chinese history and politics. [Xi] is still a man of mystery, but this book is a good first step toward demystifying him." -- Dagens Næringsliv With steely determination, Xi Jinping has forged his way to absolute power at home, consolidated China's role as a global superpower, and promoted instrumental myths about his life. All the while, in many ways he has remained a mystery. Which is a problem, assert Stig Stenslie and Marte Galtung, because to understand China today, it is essential to understand Xi. Who is he? What is his vision for China? What explains his rise? How is he perceived by the masses? These are among the questions that gave rise to this book.

Using Xi as a lens with which to examine China's political development over the past decade, the authors succeed in shining new light on the innermost circles of Chinese politics and on the authoritarian leader himself. CONTENTS: Leadership and Politics in China. Xi's Climb Through the Ranks. Concentrating Power. Extolling the Leader. An Ideological Renaissance. Stepping onto the World Stage. Is Xi a New Mao? Appendix 1: Timeline of the People's Republic of China.

Appendix 2: Is Xi a New Mao?.