Part 6/9:
The use of corruption charges also serves as a convenient justification for removal, allowing Xi to marginalize individuals without necessarily claiming ideological rebellion. The ultimate goal is control—ensuring no one accumulates enough influence to challenge the central authority.
The Long-Term Risks of Such a Control Strategy
While purging generals and officials consolidates power in the short term, Ken warns that this approach is unsustainable in the long term. It leads to the hollowing out of institutional competence, creating a military and bureaucracy that obey orders without understanding—an organization that risks becoming only obedient, not effective.