Yale scholar Daniel Mattingly to examine ideological influence in Chinese elite politics at LKYSPP seminar.
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy will host a lecture on 21 May 2025, featuring Yale University’s Associate Professor Daniel Mattingly. The seminar will delve into the role of ideology in shaping elite politics within China’s authoritarian framework.
Contrary to prevailing theories that suggest authoritarian elites prioritise political survival over ideology, Mattingly’s research posits that ideology significantly influences elite competition in China. His study, based on an extensive dataset of over 50,000 speeches and 40,000 policy documents from local officials, indicates that leaders like Xi Jinping utilise ideology to signal policy preferences and identify officials aligned with their vision.
The findings reveal that local officials with personal ties to Xi who publicly endorse his socialist ideology are more likely to advance in their careers and implement socialist policies. However, this alignment has been associated with negative consequences for economic growth.
Mattingly’s work underscores the centrality of ideology in structuring elite politics under authoritarianism, challenging the notion that such regimes are purely pragmatic. His insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between ideology and political dynamics in contemporary China.
How Ideology Shapes Elite Politics in China
Wed, 21 May 2025
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM (GMT +08:00)
Location:
Seminar Room 3-1, Manasseh Meyer Building
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772
For more information visit here.
Source: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
