Xi Jinping and China's Rise to World Power (DRAKE HALL)

Since he took control of China in March 2013, Xi Jinping has become China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. He is at once General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President of the People's Republic, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. In 2016, he abolished presidential term limits and enshrined his "Thought" in the Party and State constitutions. He has declared control of the South China Sea, threatened the independence of Taiwan, mounted the "Belt and Road" initiative, and vastly increased military spending. Internally, he created a surveillance state, trampled the rights of minorities, and purged his political enemies. China's second-largest economy enables it to challenge the United States as a global superpower. How did Xi manage to seize dictatorial power? What are his ultimate goals, and what are the implications for the United States? 

*Dr. Loren Crabtree taught recent Chinese history at Colorado State University for many years and served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Provost at CSU. He served as Chancellor of the University of Tennessee and retired as a Distinguished Professor of History. He was instrumental in bringing Semester at Sea to Colorado State and served for three years as the program's President and CEO. 

Notes

• A current OLLI membership is required to register for all courses and lectures. 
• If you do not have a Fall 2025 membership, one will be added to your cart at checkout. 
• OLLI membership fees and course tuition are critical to the Institute's sustainability and are non-refundable. 

Testimonials