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Purges

All articles tagged with #purges

Pentagon rocked by broad purge of senior generals amid Trump-aligned push
politics4 hours ago

Pentagon rocked by broad purge of senior generals amid Trump-aligned push

The Guardian reports that since Trump’s return, acting defense secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or forced the retirement of about 24 generals and senior officers—many Black or female—amid a push linked to Project 2025 and a broader bid to curb DEI influence. Critics warn the upheaval undermines military cohesion, readiness, and the civilian-military balance, likening it to purge-era tactics, while defenders say the moves are not about race or gender and are aimed at reshaping the force. The controversy underscores deep concerns about loyalty tests, the scope of presidential power, and the risk to national security if experienced leaders are removed over ideological differences.

Xi’s Silent Purges Tighten the PLA’s Chain of Command
world3 months ago

Xi’s Silent Purges Tighten the PLA’s Chain of Command

Xi Jinping’s ongoing purges of senior and retiring PLA leaders have left the Central Military Commission unusually hollow, underscoring a Leninist system in which the CCP controls the gun and the military remains loyal to party patrons. Drawing on Xu Qinxian (1989) and Lin Biao (1971), the article argues the PLA has limited capacity to resist and that its dual party-military structure prevents autonomous action. The piece contends purges deter dissent, prevent institutional autonomy, and prepare for external crises by removing potential fifth-column threats, reinforcing Xi’s personal dominance over the armed forces.

China's Military Modernization and Strategic Challenges
world8 months ago

China's Military Modernization and Strategic Challenges

Xi Jinping has been extensively reforming and purging the Chinese military to ensure it is politicized, loyal, and capable of fighting if needed, but recent purges of senior officers suggest ongoing internal power struggles rather than weakening control. His focus on the PLA aims to secure his legacy, prepare for potential conflicts, and maintain party dominance, with a strategic emphasis on loyalty and modernization amid internal challenges.