China's New Governing Party Paradigm: Political Renewal and the Pursuit of National Rejuvenation

The Sigur Center for Asian Studies presents a book talk by Timothy Heath.

For the first time since its founding in 1921, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has adopted a new paradigm for its role in China. Abandoning its former identity as a 'revolutionary party', the CCP now regards itself as a 'governing party' committed to meeting the diverse needs of its people and realizing China's revitalization as a great power. To enhance its ability to realize these aims, the CCP has enacted extensive political and ideological reforms. Central to that effort are changes to how the party develops and oversees strategy and policy. Few studies are available on the CCP's adoption of this new identity and of its political implications. Timothy Heath's new book, China's New Governing Party Paradigm: Political Renewal and the Pursuit of National Rejuvenation, remedies that oversight by explaining the historic context, drivers, and meaning of the governing party paradigm.

Timothy Heath is Senior International and Defense Analyst at the RAND Corporation and a recognized expert on Chinese strategy and political-military topics. He served for five years as the senior analyst in the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) China Strategic Focus Group and has over fifteen years of experience in the US government as a specialist on China. Mr. Heath has authored many articles and a book chapter on topics related to Chinese security and political issues. He earned his MA in Asian Studies from the George Washington University and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

RSVP at http://go.gwu.edu/chinesegovernance.