The Foreign Affairs Interview Best Of: What Drives Putin and Xi
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Aug 7, 2025 
In a riveting discussion, Stephen Kotkin, a leading Russia expert at Stanford, and Orville Schell, a prominent China scholar, delve into the motivations behind Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s leadership. They explore how both leaders draw from their tumultuous pasts, shaping their autocratic styles. The conversation highlights the impact of historical narratives on modern geopolitics, especially in the context of the Ukraine war and Sino-Russian relations. Their insights expose the complex interplay of power, ideology, and the ambitions driving these formidable figures on the world stage.
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Putin and Xi's Restoration Drive
- Putin and Xi both emerged to restore their countries' greatness after humiliating collapse.
- Their leadership is rooted in Eurasian land empire traditions confronting Western naval empires.
Xi's Complex Mao Legacy
- Despite family humiliation by Maoist revolution, Xi lionizes Mao to legitimize his vision of China's rejuvenation.
- He adopts Mao’s strategy of fostering enemies to fuel political strength and unity.
Party Rule vs. Chaos
- Xi fears the alternative to one-party rule: chaos, anarchy, and collapse.
- Maintaining party control is both personal power and national stability for Xi and Putin.