Lessons from the Poputchik: CCP's Learning from the Soviet Union and Contemporary Russia under Xi Jinping

Global political leaders, especially those within authoritarian regimes, often utilize lessons drawn from their international counterparts to refine their own governance strategies. This paper scrutinizes the strategic maneuvers of Xi Jinping, the leader of the People's Republic of China (PRC), aimed at consolidating power within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and broadening the PRC's global influence. This analysis draws comparisons with the historical trajectories of leadership in the Soviet Union and Russia, considering them as the PRC's fellow travelers, or 'poputchiks,' specifically under Khrushchev, Gorbachev, and Putin. Employing qualitative textual analysis, we demonstrate how Xi has learned from and adapted domestic governance tactics and international strategies. We also examine the potential pitfalls and risks associated with these adaptations. The study underscores the necessity for successful political leaders to analyze the experiences of other leaders to enhance their own strategic approaches.