The Political Psychology of Citizens in Rising China
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- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
- Publication date:
- 04 December 2025
- 08 January 2026
- ISBN:
- 9781009489720
- 9781009489713
- Dimensions:
- (228 x 152 mm)
- Weight & Pages:
- 0.781kg, 416 Pages
- Dimensions:
- Weight & Pages:
- Subjects:
- Social Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Psychology
You may already have access via personal or institutional login- Subjects:
- Social Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Psychology
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Book description
To understand why the Chinese Communist Party has sustained its authoritarian political system, it is important to examine China's politics through the eyes of its people. This book presents the first comprehensive study of the political psychology of citizens in rising China, examining their attitudes toward democracy, their government, and their authoritarian political system, alongside their views of China's rise and its relations with foreign nations. It uses data from multiple public opinion surveys to elucidate the evolution of Chinese people's political perceptions and preferences under Xi's leadership. The author develops the theory of political guardianship psychology, a novel framework for understanding the Chinese political mindset. By applying a political-psychological approach, the chapters detail the strengths and vulnerabilities of China's authoritarian system, offering valuable insights into the country's trajectory. As such, the book is an essential resource for scholars in political psychology, political science, Chinese studies, and foreign policy.
Reviews
‘The enigma of Chinese conceptions of democracy, closely tied to support for authoritarian rule, is empirically unravelled in this book. Yida Zhai reveals how the psychological foundations of China's benevolent authority-based ‘Socialist democracy' sustain institutional trust, legitimize authoritarian resilience, shape satisfaction with democracy, and foster nationalist attitudes in contemporary China.'
Ken'ichi Ikeda - Professor, Faculty of Media Studies, Doshisha University
‘In this book, Yida Zhai-a rising star in the field-uses the lens of political guardianship psychology to illuminate how Chinese citizens perceive politics, power, and legitimacy. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the psychological foundations of authoritarian resilience and political behavior in contemporary China.'
Dali L. Yang - William C. Reavis Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago, and author of Wuhan: How the Covid-19 Outbreak in China Spiraled Out of Control
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