Opening Report Meeting for the National Social Science Fund Major Project "Research on Building a Socialist Ideology with Strong Cohesion and Leadership" Held
The opening report meeting for the National Social Science Fund Major Project "Research on Building a Socialist Ideology with Powerful Cohesion and Leading Power"—a study interpreting the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee—was held on the afternoon of July 24 at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Researcher Zhu Jidong, Director of the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies and Executive Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the National Research Center for Cultural Security and Ideological Construction, serves as the chief expert for the project.
The expert guidance group invited to the meeting included Researcher Xin Xiangyang, Party Secretary of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Professor Hou Huiqin, Director of the CASS National Research Center for Cultural Security and Ideological Construction; Professor Ai Silin, Dean of the Tsinghua University Institute for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; Professor Liu Shulin of the Tsinghua University School of Marxism; Professor Wang Shuyin, former Dean of the Beijing Normal University School of Marxism; Professor Kang Peizhu of the Peking University School of Marxism; Professor Wang Yonggui, Director of the Socialist Ideology Research Center at Nanjing Normal University; and Professor Jiang Yingchun of the Department of Philosophy at Nanjing University.
Researcher Xin Xiangyang first expressed warm congratulations on the approval of Researcher Zhu Jidong’s National Social Science Fund Major Project on behalf of the host institution and extended a warm welcome to the expert guidance group. He stated that the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies has always attached great importance to ideological work. This project is of great significance for deepening fundamental theoretical research on ideology and advancing ideological work to ensure it "goes deep and stays solid." [1] He emphasized the need to systematically summarize the practical experience and theoretical achievements of ideological work, promoting the transformation of fundamental theoretical research into applied policy recommendations.
As chief expert, Researcher Zhu Jidong reported to the expert group on the principal content and research ideas of the project's verification. He provided a detailed explanation of the overall framework, the logical relationship between the general project and its sub-projects, key difficulties, and areas of innovation.
The experts of the guidance group congratulated Researcher Zhu on the project's approval, noting its significant value in both theory and practice, and spoke highly of the project design, research ideas, and research plan. Subsequently, the experts provided guidance and valuable suggestions.
Researcher Xin Xiangyang suggested strengthening research on the challenges posed to ideology by social stratification and the market economy; the problem of moral hazard in institutions; how the construction of the "Three Great Systems" [2] reflects ideological influence and cohesion; and how to protect comrades who "dare to flash their swords" [3] in the construction of the main battlefield of internet ideology. He noted that research should be highly targeted, focusing on producing effective policy recommendations and emphasizing the compilation of reference materials during the research process.
Professor Hou Huiqin emphasized the need to grasp and highlight key points, suggesting that the scope could be appropriately narrowed to allow for deeper focus and reflection. Building an ideology with powerful cohesion and leading power is both a consistent pursuit and an effective response to the new situations and challenges in achieving the Second Centenary Goal. [4] He suggested the project team focus on why the construction of such an ideology was proposed, the new challenges it faces, and the specific methods of its construction.
Professor Ai Silin suggested that the project team must resolve the major issues currently facing us, combining theoretical research with policy-oriented research. Meanwhile, domestic and international aspects should be integrated; there must be deep research into how socialist ideology can play a better role globally, particularly how Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era can better exert a leading role in the world. As the ideological struggle is currently intense, our country's move toward the center of the world stage over the next twenty to thirty years will rely not only on material strength but also on the leading power of ideology and values.
Professor Wang Shuyin suggested that the research should have specific emphases. He noted a distinction between applying for a project and conducting the research; when the project is approved, the focus shifts to how to fulfill the mission. He explained there are two ways to complete a project: "doing the prompt" (zuo ti) or "doing the work" (zuo shi). "Doing the prompt" means simply fulfilling requirements—internal reports, articles, research reports, and books. However, for this project, simply completing tasks is insufficient; one must "do the work" with a clear focus.
Professor Liu Shulin suggested focusing research on solving practical difficulties, identifying regularities [5], discovering problems by combing through historical development, treating internet ideology as a priority, noting the lessons from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and utilizing the theory of class struggle and the method of class analysis.
Professor Kang Peizhu suggested deep research into handling the relationship between ideological work and economic construction. It is necessary to profoundly recognize the vital role of ideological work; the failure of Soviet socialism resulted from abandoning the guiding position of Marxism in the ideological sphere. Simultaneously, attention should be paid to the paths for constructing socialist ideology, striving to achieve psychological identification among the masses at different levels and seeking to exert a "subtle, transforming influence" (qianyi-mohua). [6]
Professor Wang Yonggui suggested strengthening research on foundational propositions. In addition to following the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method, research should be deepened on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It should center on the ideological cohesion and leading power proposed at the 19th National Congress, grounded in the Party's century of experience—especially the experience of the ten years of the New Era. Furthermore, research should emphasize constructive discourse, critical study, and practical application.
Professor Jiang Yingchun suggested focusing on important ideological assertions from the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. These include the overall and fundamental shift in China's ideological landscape since the 18th National Congress, the resolute maintenance of national political power security, institutional security, and ideological security, and the major shift in favor of socialism in the historical evolution and contest between the two ideologies and social systems of socialism and capitalism on a global scale.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Hou Huiqin, head of the expert guidance group, noted that the seminar was highly successful due to the dedicated efforts of the members. Moving forward, the project team must highlight key theoretical and practical problems that must be solved. The team should strive to combine short-term results with long-term benefits, recognizing that the mission is "heavy and the road is long." [7]
Finally, Researcher Zhu Jidong thanked the experts for their meticulous guidance. He stated that the team would earnestly study and absorb these valuable opinions, focus on key points, and refine the plan with the attitude of "striving for a great cause" (gan shiye) to contribute more to the Party and the nation's ideological undertakings.
Leaders of various sub-projects and over 30 project members attended the meeting through a combination of online and offline participation.