Assessing the Features of Propaganda and Thought Work in Post-Trust China

This article endeavours to evaluate the attributes of propaganda and thought work in contemporary China. Previous studies have highlighted resemblances to Mao-era leadership, particularly in terms of ideological guidance. However, this article contends that while the propaganda strategies employed in contemporary China exhibit similar characteristics to those of the Mao era, the changes in the receivers of the party’s propaganda and thought work would not lead to similar ideological consequences seen in the late Mao era. Through an in-depth examination of the features of propaganda and thought work, and interviews with numerous individuals in China, this article demonstrates that despite the post-trust political environment potentially reducing the Party’s capability for socio-political mobilisation, the detrimental consequences would be simultaneously mitigated by people’s long-term post-trust sentiment and indifferent attitude. This article contributes to the understanding of ideology in contemporary China.