ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the major interpretations and theories by China scholars on the participation and complex political role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Cultural Revolution. In one sense the party has functioned, in Stuart Schram's words, as "the ideological mentor" of the army. The chapter discusses even though there was unprecedented disruption in the party organization during the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party as a political institution remained intact within the military. Analysis is also included on developments related to the military's role during the Cultural Revolution. The chapter provides analysis and interpretation on the PLA activities in the provinces, its use of force in suppressing Red Guard groups and the emergence of military dominance in provincial politics. A major role played by the PLA during the Cultural Revolution was assumption of the judicial and police functions normally in the hands of the public security bureaus at the various levels of government.
