The desire for the 'core' leader has been imbedded in the ruling philosophy of the Chinese Communist Party. As the role of the 'core' leader and his interactions with other ruling elite are important in understanding Chinese politics, this book attempts to focus on the role of the party chief and how he could become the 'core' of the leadership. Xuezhi Guo provides the most detailed and comprehensive scrutiny of the 'core' of the Chinese Communist Party leadership and meticulously analyses the cultural, philosophical, and ideological origins as well as its evolution throughout the party's history. This study introduces an eclectic approach that integrates the most useful analytical perspectives and insights from Chinese political history, philosophy, and mainstream Western methodologies in order to explain the consistent patterns of elite politics and the behavior of the party's high-ranking leaders during times of cooperation and conflict from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.

'This insightful and incisive volume by Xuezhi Guo (Guilford College) seeks to examine the role of the Chinese Communist Party’s chief, the mechanism in regulating the interaction between the 'core' leader and the rest of the party elite, dynamics of the changes, and the potential implications.'

S. K. Ma Source: Choice

‘Xuezhi Guo’s new book is an exceptionally valuable addition to the literature on elite politics in China. It presents readers with an insightful analysis of political leadership by way of an eclectic approach that represents the best of theoretically informed area studies research. Guo’s study is engaging, dispassionate, and convincing … Xuezhi Guo’s meticulous and thought-provoking work remains a key reference for years to come.’

Robert Dayley Source: Pacific Affairs

‘… the book is particularly useful for scholars, students and professionals who are interested in who’s who and their factional affiliation in Chinese politics.’

Chi Zhang Source: Democratization