ABSTRACT
This chapter zeroes in on the CCP’s control and management of human resources to evaluate its staying power. The underlying assumption is that the sustainability of the CCP’s one-party rule depends to a large extent on how successfully it can control, tame and utilize vital human resources for the modernization project from which it derives its legitimacy. The Central Organization Department (COD) has always been regarded as one of the most mysterious organs of the Party. The COD’s role in the political system is summarized by cadres as “controlling organizations, cadres and talents”. As the CCP controls so many national resources and is responsible for so many areas of the people’s lives, the cadres it chooses to lead the state and manage public affairs are naturally held accountable by the people.
