As explained by Li, the system of governance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is opaque, largely by design. However, Li argued that the Party disciplinary inspection and state supervision system (more transparent than for example the Party leadership selection process) allows for an academic study of the power structures in the Party-state.

Li’s decades-long research of PRC’s judicial structures, systemic corruption, informal power relations, and the disciplinary measures tackling the corruption provided the audience with enlightening insights into the Party-state system. Namely how the country’s increasing institutionalization does not lead to increased democratization, quite the contrary.

The presentation was followed by a highly-engaging discussion with the audience – largely European Global Studies students, members of the Institute staff and doctoral candidates. During the debate, Li explained in more detail the nature of the judicial system, the informal power structures referred to as guanxi, as well as the institutionalization of Party purges.

Li Ling teaches Chinese law and politics at the Department of East Asian Studies of the University of Vienna. Her recent publications largely engage with corruption, courts and power relations in the PRC.