CNN Publishes Work by Bernard Geoxavier

Heidi Rose
4/12/2012

I’m happy to share that Bernard Geoxavier, a Middlebury Interactive Languages Content Specialist, recently contributed a three-part series of articles to CNN. In March, the news network’s blog began publishing an analysis that Bernard wrote in collaboration with Neil K. Shenai, a Ph.D. Candidate at Johns Hopkins School.

The analysis covers current Chinese political affairs. In the opening blog post, Bernard and his colleague estimate that, despite “the stable veneer of the Communist Party,” political tension within the top ranks of the Chinese government has grown as Xi Jinping prepares to succeed Hu Jintao as General Secretary of the Communist Party, the country’s highest authority. The analysis explains how leaders like Jintao have influenced the succession of their position, how China has maintained its veneer of stability, and concludes that China’s government, though appearing more efficient than Western democracies, must be ready to face future events that will challenge its even-keeled appearance.

Bernard’s second article looks at Bo Xilai, a high-ranking Chinese official who was recently removed from his post. The article describes Xilai as a “political liability,” fired because of his reputation for heavy-handedness and potential to stir trouble that would dampen China’s economic growth. Although Xilai’s exit gained media attention around the world, the analysis points out that Xi Jinping has barely reacted to the hubbub. Bernard believes that this quietness is part of the Chinese leadership’s projection of stability.

These blog posts provide insight into Chinese current events and demonstrate the expertise brought to the table by many of our team members. The articles are available online: the first is called Why Chinese Succession Matters, and the second is titled Bo Xilai and the Politics of Chinese Succession. We look forward to reading Bernard’s third contribution to CNN!