The Institute of Social Sciences in SNU conducts in-depth research on various methodologies and hosts methodology forums for interdisciplinary exchange. We invite you to participate in the upcoming second methodology forum for the 2024 fall semester, which will be held as follows:

< The Dilemma of Loyalty and Competence: Reading the Power Games of Chinese Elites through Machine Learning >

This study developed a model that evaluates the loyalty and competence of the 20th Politburo members of the Chinese Communist Party by analyzing China's high-ranking official promotion data from 1982 to 2022 using machine learning. It confirmed that not only traditional promotion criteria but also Xi Jinping's personal preferences played a role in the selection process. In fact, the 20th Politburo leadership was largely composed of individuals loyal to Xi Jinping. Moreover, it was found that Xi Jinping preferred candidates who prioritized loyalty over competence among his loyalists. These findings are expected to provide various insights into the selection processes of high-ranking officials in authoritarian states in the future.

Presenter: Professor Jonghyuk Lee (Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, Sungkyunkwan University)
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Venue: Institute of Social Sciences Seminar Room (Building 16, Room M111)

Inquiries: css@snu.ac.kr / 02-880-5475

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