Legacy of China’s Emperor for Life

The Legacy of China’s Emperor for Life examines the political, economic, and ideological legacy of Xi Jinping’s leadership and its profound impact on China’s domestic governance and global ambitions.

Through a critical analysis of Xi’s governance philosophy, economic strategy, foreign policy, and consolidation of power, the book explores how China has evolved under a leader often described as the country’s most powerful figure since Mao Zedong. It assesses the consequences of Xi’s emphasis on party control, state-led development, and ideological discipline, while examining key issues such as economic restructuring, technological competition with the West, China’s expanding global influence, and the tightening of political control in Hong Kong. The book argues that Xi’s vision of national rejuvenation has strengthened the Chinese Communist Party’s authority but has also generated significant political, economic, and social challenges, raising important questions about the sustainability of China’s current trajectory.

This book will appeal to students and scholars of Chinese politics, international relations, and Asian studies, as well as policymakers, journalists, and general readers seeking to understand the enduring legacy of Xi Jinping’s rule and its implications for China and the wider world.

Willy Lam is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, Washington, DC, and a research affiliate with several academic institutions in North America. Previously, he taught Chinese politics and foreign policy for 15 years at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Lam has 40 years of experience writing about China. His books include China in the Era of Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping: The Hidden Agendas of China’s Ruler for Life, and The Fight for China’s Future (all published by Routledge).