I think it is undeniable that over Xi Jinping’s tenure a shift has taken place back to a more overtly ideological Marxist-Leninist party line and to unapologetically socialist policies.

Institutionalism is a liberal obsession, the CPC is a revolutionary party. When systems become ossified they become ineffective, they need regular purging and ideological revitalization. The CPC needed to find its way back again to strong leadership with a clear, bold vision for the future.

The USSR failed to do this and the consequences were disastrous. If you have read Xi’s writings and speeches you will see a clear determination to understand what went wrong there and avoid it at all costs. I don’t think it a coincidence that he started his first term with a giant anti-corruption campaign.