History As It Happens: What is Chinese Communism? – Detailed Summary
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: Martin DeCaro
Guests: Sergei Radchenko, Enrico Fardella
Introduction
In the episode titled "What is Chinese Communism?", host Martin DeCaro delves into the complex nature of contemporary Chinese Communism under the leadership of Xi Jinping. Featuring insights from Sergei Radchenko, a historian at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Enrico Fardella, a historian at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe, the discussion navigates through the ideological underpinnings, nationalism, economic strategies, and global ambitions of China's Communist Party (CCP).
Defining Chinese Communism
The episode begins by addressing the fundamental question: "Can China, whose ruling Communist Party counts 100 million members, still be called a communist country?"
Sergei Radchenko explains (00:20):
"If you just ask what does it mean to be Chinese Communist today? The simplest answer to this is to say it is to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party. There is something called the Chinese Communist Party. You can become a candidate member... So you become a part of a massive organization." [02:00]
Radchenko emphasizes that while not every Chinese citizen is a CCP member, the leadership and organizational structure are deeply entrenched in communist ideology.
Xi Jinping's Ideology and Thought
Central to understanding Chinese Communism today is Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This ideology was formally incorporated into the party constitution in 2017 and underscores Xi's strategic vision for China.
Martin DeCaro highlights (10:30):
"China, he says, is projected to account for 45%, nearly half of global manufacturing by 2030." [02:31]
Enrico Fardella adds (08:44):
"Being Chinese Communist has always been first and foremost being Chinese nationalists that use communism, actually socialism, as an instrument to achieve nationalistic goals." [08:27]
This blend of Marxist principles with intense Chinese nationalism forms the bedrock of current CCP policies, aiming to position China as a cultural and economic superpower by 2035.
Chinese Nationalism and the "China Dream"
The "China Dream" is a pivotal element in Xi Jinping's strategy, intertwining historical pride with futuristic ambitions.
Radchenko elaborates (09:04):
"It's a very complicated worldview that has all kinds of influences that feed into the thinking about the world that the Chinese leaders have. But yes, China at the center, Chinese nationalism." [10:19]
Fardella concurs (20:13):
"The main goal that defines the Chinese Communism is actually the China Dream." [12:44]
This nationalistic fervor drives policies both domestically and internationally, ensuring that China's rise is seen as a restoration of its historical status rather than mere economic expansion.
Economic Integration and Global Impact
China's economy is deeply interwoven with global capitalism, making its policies a matter of global significance.
Radchenko points out (00:07):
"Nearly one in every three physical products made in the world today comes from China, including most of what we use." [00:07]
The discussion underscores that any conflict involving China, particularly over Taiwan, could have catastrophic global economic repercussions.
Fardella underscores (03:04):
"Conflict in the Western Pacific over the Taiwan question would result in a 25% GDP contraction in Asia." [00:20]
This economic centrality ensures that China's actions are closely monitored and that its stability is tantamount to global economic health.
Foreign Policy and Global Influence
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exemplifies its strategy to enhance global influence without overtly exporting communism.
Fardella explains (22:34):
"China has never tried... to export communism... Instead, it aims to enhance independence externally." [22:09]
The BRI, along with engagement in the Global South and BRICS, reflects China's approach to building economic dependencies and expanding its geopolitical influence without ideological imposition.
Radchenko reflects on historical attempts (24:14):
"During the Cultural Revolution, China tried to export the Cultural Revolution with embassies abroad, which ultimately proved ineffective and was abandoned." [24:14]
Today, China adopts a more pragmatic stance, focusing on economic partnerships rather than ideological expansion.
Misconceptions in Washington About China
A significant portion of the episode addresses the prevailing misconceptions within U.S. leadership regarding China's intentions and strategies.
Radchenko critiques (42:28):
"There is a consensus thinking in Washington that China is determined to invade Taiwan in the very near future... Reality is much more complicated and foggy." [42:28]
Fardella adds (45:05):
"Exaggeration in both ways... Mirroring what is happening in China... the space for recognition that there are rational voices is limited." [45:05]
The guests argue that the U.S. often operates on an echo chamber mentality, leading to policies based more on fear and containment rather than nuanced understanding.
Strategic Patience and Realpolitik
The concept of strategic patience, influenced by both historical Chinese philosophies and modern realpolitik, is pivotal in China's approach to regions like Taiwan.
Miles Machun (as discussed by Martin DeCaro) posits:
"China publicly asserts a desire for peaceful reunification with Taiwan while building military capabilities and establishing economic dependencies." [35:34]
Radchenko questions the ideological basis (37:44):
"Show me one example where they approach the world from using something from Marxism, Leninism." [37:44]
Fardella counters (41:31):
"China is trying to implement a strategy that doesn't want to clash with superior force... to maximize national power and avoid destructive conflict." [41:31]
This dual approach ensures that China can advance its objectives incrementally without provoking immediate confrontation.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes by emphasizing the complexity and multifaceted nature of Chinese Communism today. It challenges simplistic categorizations, urging a deeper understanding of China's unique blend of ideology, nationalism, and pragmatic economic strategies.
Radchenko warns (44:46):
"When you have two sides who are so keen to deter and to contain for obvious reasons... you end up in a spiral of insecurity and confrontation." [44:46]
Fardella agrees and adds (46:05):
"There is a big problem which is actually mirrors what is happening in China... preserving the infrastructure is more important than now for the US." [46:05]
In essence, the episode portrays Chinese Communism not as a static ideology but as a dynamic and evolving framework shaped by historical, cultural, and economic forces.
Notable Quotes
-
Sergei Radchenko
"There's a set of rules... So you become a part of a massive organization." [02:00] -
Enrico Fardella
"The main goal that defines the Chinese Communism is actually the China Dream." [12:44] -
Sergei Radchenko
"It's the safest thing to do." [44:56] -
Enrico Fardella
"China is trying to implement a strategy that doesn't want to clash with superior force." [41:31]
Final Remarks
Understanding Chinese Communism requires moving beyond traditional ideological labels to appreciate the intricate interplay of nationalism, economic imperatives, and strategic patience that defines China's current trajectory. As China continues to integrate into the global economy and assert its influence, the dynamics discussed in this episode remain critical for comprehending the future of international relations.
For more insightful discussions, tune into future episodes of "History As It Happens" every Tuesday and Friday, and subscribe to Martin DeCaro's free newsletter at historyasithappens.com.