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The Documentary: History Lessons For China's New Leaders

The Documentary: History Lessons For China's New Leaders: Episode 2

The silouette of a man waving a yellow flag with a red star

Episode 2

History Lessons For China's New Leaders

BBC World Service - The Documentary, History Lessons For China's New Leaders, Episode 2

What can China's leaders learn from the country's tales of power, honour and violence?

What can China's leaders learn from the country's tales of power, honour and violence? Carrie Gracie explores the relationship between the people and the ruling powers.

The peasant rebel who topples a dynasty is a familiar theme in Chinese history. During the cultural revolution, the Communists decided that the past was getting in the way of the future and Chairman Mao adopted the imperial model of absolutism and the use of force. 

Why did people allow such persecution? 

Carrie Gracie explores some of the most important stories from Chinese history. What do these tales say about China today?

(Image: The silouette of a man waving a yellow flag with a red star, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

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