A maturing political process has helped the party develop quasi-government capacities for governing, organizing, integrating Chinese society. However, the challenges facing society and institutions today make the upcoming session worthy of special attention.

The Communist Party of China has established a new set of leaders to rule the nation for the next decade. Now, more than any other time in history, China’s leadership will be shaped by the unique experiences faced by the seven new members of the Politburo Standing Committee during the Cultural Revolution.

For its ostensible lack of surprise, the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China may disappoint those waiting for hints of dramatic changes when