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Linking global leadership to domestic legitimacy: Comparative analysis of perceptions of Xi and Obama

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  • Myunghee Kim
  • Xiongwei Cao

Abstract

Objectives As a one‐party state, the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party rule and the leader, Xi, stems from unique sources. This article examines those sources of legitimacy in China and compares those with the United States and its leader, President Obama. Methods Data from the 2014 Pew Global Attitude Survey are analyzed using ordered logistic regressions to test three main hypotheses: the vertical trust leakage hypothesis, the new Cultural Revolution hypothesis, and the parallel upward mobility hypothesis. Results Xi's anti‐corruption efforts against governmental officials create perceptions of Xi as a moral leader who protects citizens from corrupt local officials. Growing censorship in China prevents intellectuals from questioning Xi's power. The Chinese Dream campaign spearheaded by Xi blends nationalism and populism. Conclusion The findings suggest that Xi's strategy to portray him as a moral leader, the suppression of intellectuals and advocacy of the Chinese Dream campaign yields strong confidence from Chinese citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Myunghee Kim & Xiongwei Cao, 2021. "Linking global leadership to domestic legitimacy: Comparative analysis of perceptions of Xi and Obama," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(4), pages 1638-1653, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:102:y:2021:i:4:p:1638-1653
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bei Qin & David Strömberg & Yanhui Wu, 2017. "Why Does China Allow Freer Social Media? Protests versus Surveillance and Propaganda," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(1), pages 117-140, Winter.
    2. Xian Huang, 2020. "The Chinese Dream: Hukou, Social Mobility, and Trust in Government," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 101(5), pages 2052-2070, September.
    3. Jie Chen & Chunlong Lu, 2007. "Social Capital in Urban China: Attitudinal and Behavioral Effects on Grassroots Self‐Government," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 88(2), pages 422-442, June.
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