China's succession: A path to war?

One of the major weaknesses of authoritarian governments is that the politics in the country is defined by one man. For as long as the ruler is able to maintain power and stability, the country is able to successfully thrive even economically.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

One of the examples of this is Xi Jinping who assumed power in China in 2012 and has remained in complete control of his country. Xi has been able to suppress all forms of dissent and curb civil society in China. He has even been able to turn back the economic reforms which were introduced by Deng Xiaoping.

There are indicators, however, that the China elite has begun a tentative search for a leader to replace the 72-year-old chief. In any authoritarian regime, political succession is the most perilous period and it is expected that China will not be an exception. The history of China since the end of the second world war show that only one of Xi Jinping's five predecessors stepped aside fully and willingly.

Mao Zedong exercised overwhelming power over China and the Communist Party. He ruled the country until the day he died. However, his anointed successor Hua Guofeng was able to hold on to power for only a few years before being replaced by Deng Xiaoping.