Marxism Research Network
Unofficial English Translation

The Primitive Motive Power of Governance

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Content Summary

The Source Power of Governance: Domestic and International focuses on Xi Jinping's local governance practices, researching the developmental trajectory of his governance thought. It reveals the historical context of his governance philosophy and clarifies the inheritance and innovation between Xi Jinping's local governance concepts and his thoughts on national governance following the 18th National Congress of the CPC [1]. By excavating the cultivation, formation, preliminary improvement, and further refinement of Xi Jinping's governance thought, this study offers significant value for exploring the governing strategies of the new generation of central leadership. The book focuses primarily on Xi Jinping's growth process, his practical work in local governance, his published works, and his reflections on governing. Xi Jinping has remarked that whether a society has achieved moderate prosperity [2] depends on the welfare of the "fellow villagers" (the rural population); similarly, the effectiveness of governing a great power depends on the management of its prefectures and counties [3], and the commitment to "stand in the forefront" and "do practical work" must be realized at the grassroots level.

Distinguished from many current perspectives on Comrade Xi Jinping, this book is dedicated to tracing the formation of his governance concepts, particularly his reflections while leading local governments. It conducts a detailed, analytical exploration centered on important documents from his periods working in Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Fujian. In particular, Zhi Jiang Xin Yu (New Words from the Zhi River) [4], published during his tenure in Zhejiang, provides a clear framework for understanding the President’s current grand pattern of governance. The book employs a text-based genealogical approach focusing on Zhi Jiang Xin Yu, but it is not limited to practices and reflections in Zhejiang. It also draws extensively from works such as Poverty Alleviation (Up and Out of Poverty), Do Practical Work and Stand in the Forefront, and Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, as well as various important documents and research monographs. It seeks to systematize the General Secretary’s grand governance concepts by bridging historical depth with contemporary practice.

Author Biography

Liu Xukuan, PhD in Law, born in August 1973, is a young scholar at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He is primarily engaged in research on ethics, the theory of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, public services, and social development. His major research achievements include the monographs A Study of Plato's Ethical Thought (560,000 characters) and Without Sincerity No Rectitude, Without Trust No Standing. He co-edited 27 Most Influential Ethical Classics in History and co-authored the Blue Book of Public Services series (2012, 2013, 2014). He has published more than 20 papers in journals such as Philosophical Trends and the Journal of Beijing Normal University. He participated in the compilation of the Study Outline for the Scientific Outlook on Development [5] by the Theoretical Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and took part in preliminary research for the Meeting on Strengthening and Improving the Party's Work on Publicity, Ideology, and Culture. He has undertaken numerous research projects commissioned by ministries and commissions, was invited to participate in projects for the Beijing Municipal Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) [6], and joined research on public service projects for the Lhasa Municipal Government.

Table of Contents

General Introduction: New Style, New Language, New Governance

  1. Governance Entering "Beijing Time"
  2. Governance Must Exist in the Context of Chinese Characteristics
  3. Extraordinary Achievements Require Extraordinary Governance
  4. Sowing the Seeds of Governance
  5. Speaking "New Words" to Initiate New Governance

Chapter 1: The Incubation of Governance Concepts

  1. Eastern Fujian Sounds the Horn for Poverty Alleviation
  2. Reflections from the Zhi River on Standing in the Forefront
  3. Zhejiang Practices "Doing Practical Work"
  4. Absorbing Nuance from the Materialist Conception of History [7]
  5. Planning the Whole from a Local Perspective
  6. The Great Layout of Governance: The New Normal and the "Four Comprehensives" Strategy

Chapter 2: Xi-style Governance Thinking (Part I)

  1. Sustainable Development Thinking
  2. Dialectical Thinking
  3. Rule of Law Thinking
  4. Historical Thinking

Chapter 3: Xi-style Governance Thinking (Part II) 5. Innovation Thinking 6. Systems Thinking 7. Harmony Thinking 8. Consultative Thinking 9. Bottom-line Thinking

Chapter 4: The Source Power of Good Governance in a Great Power

  1. Originating from the People’s Aspiration for a Better Life
  2. Originating from Revolutionary Ideals that "Soar Higher than the Heavens"
  3. Originating from the Correct Path, System, and Theory
  4. The Key to Good Governance in a Great Power Lies with the Party

Chapter 5: Mastering the Basic Skills of Governance

  1. Prime Ministers Rise from Prefectures and Counties
  2. The "Three Rural Issues" [8] are the Ultimate Test of Governance Capacity
  3. Vigorously Promoting the Practice of Investigation and Research
  4. The Mass Line: The Primary "Secret Manual"
  5. Strengthening the Foundation and Reducing Expenditures; Practicing Strict Frugality
  6. The Art of Leadership in Manuevering and Strategic Alignment
  7. Reading More to Cultivate Political Virtue

Chapter 6: Responsibility and Accountability in Good Governance

  1. Planning Ahead: Governance Before Disorder Occurs
  2. Sense of Responsibility: "A Loud Drum Does Not Need a Heavy Mallet"
  3. Loyalty to the Party: Self-Discipline and Governing the Party
  4. The Quality of Taking Responsibility: Rushing to the Very Front
  5. Intergenerational Responsibility: What to Leave for Future Generations

Chapter 7: Governance of Thought, Culture, and Ideology

  1. Building Spiritual Civilization
  2. Culture is the Soul of a Nation
  3. Reflections on the News Media
  4. The Governance of Ideology
  5. Cultivating Values with a Focus on "Detail, Smallness, and Concrete Implementation"

Chapter 8: Driving the Twin Wheels of Virtue and Law; Raising the Twin Wings of Governance

  1. Rule of Law First, Supported by the Rule of Virtue
  2. Establishing Rules and Systems; Upholding Responsibility and Discipline
  3. Noble Spirit and Charismatic Personality
  4. Enhancing Fortitude through Virtue; Self-Restraint in Solitude