Renowned political economist Chenggang Xu will delve into the origins and evolution of China’s institutions and communist totalitarianism.

Through the lens of “Institutional Genes,” he explores how elements from Soviet Russia’s communist regime fused with the Chinese imperial system, creating a resilient totalitarian regime with unique Chinese characteristics. In addition, he examines key historical events like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, analyzing how this hybrid system facilitated China’s rapid economic growth but now poses significant challenges to its long-term sustainability.

This public lecture series is organized by the 21st Century China Center at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS). For more information on China activities, please visit china.ucsd.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact GPS Events Coordinator Susan Zau.