ABSTRACT
Modern China’s transition from a state governed according to Maoist doctrine into one driven by naked capitalism, under the banner of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” is frequently derided abroad. The change is seen as a cowardly and hypocritical betrayal of founding ideals by cynical elite. The relatively long leadership cycles within the party also help China craft a stronger long-term grand strategy than many democratic nations with faster political turnover. This tends to give them more leeway to pursue goals of Big-P pragmatism without being distracted by the demands of small-P politics. The implication of analysis is that sociocultural factors are main influence favouring pragmatism among the Chinese leadership and hence among party more generally. Geography and history – notably the so-called ‘century of humiliation’ – does have an effect on leaders’ worldviews. In other words, pragmatism is not a choice when China is economically and militarily weak, but is likely to appear increasingly optional as China grows stronger.
