As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) increasingly emphasizes its own model of governance as an alternative to Western liberal democracy, understanding what this term truly entails is essential for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in global political trends.

In this webinar, Prof. Cabestan dissects the ideological roots, institutional mechanisms, and political implications of this concept. Is “whole-process people’s democracy” simply rhetorical, or does it represent a shift in how the CCP envisions its legitimacy? How does it function in practice, and what does it signal about the direction of governance under Xi Jinping?

Through detailed analysis and firsthand insights, Prof. Cabestan examines how the Chinese leadership seeks to redefine democracy on its own terms, merging authoritarian control with selective participation. The discussion also addresses how this narrative is used domestically to consolidate power and internationally to challenge liberal democratic norms. The following Q&A session offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with one of the leading experts on Chinese politics.