Social control and propaganda | 11 | What is “social credit” and how h

The most fundamental objective of the Chinese Communist Party is to maintain a monopoly on political power in China. However, this requires more than just control over the policy-making process and institutional oversight of the political system and social organizations. Repression and violence are neither the only nor the most effective tools for maintaining control over Chinese society, even if the Chinese government does not hesitate to use them when necessary. Instead, Beijing has learned to use “modern” tools of social control in a flexible way, constantly adapting to new challenges posed by rapid socio-economic and technological development. These tools include the vast system of propaganda, Internet management, and even the infamous “social credit” system. With the help of these tools, the Party manages to build and maintain support among the population and prevent challenges to its rule. In the event of an upheaval, Beijing has proved capable of turning a crisis into an opportunity, as evidenced by its response to the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic.