This book investigates the origins of Xi Jinping's conservative political trajectory in China and the elite-level debates that underpinned his rise to power. The author, Lin Le, examines the struggle between reformist and conservative factions within the Chinese Communist Party over two decades, offering a revisionist history of China since the early 2000s. By dissecting closed-door battles and contestation behind a facade of unity, the book reveals alternative paths not taken and provides a new perspective on Xi's consolidation of power.

The book is described as indispensable for scholars of the subject, with praise for its textured and well-documented tracking of elite-level debates on structural reform. Marc Blecher of Oberlin College highlights its careful crafting and scholarly value. The work is noted for providing a new perspective on Xi Jinping's rise by revealing hidden struggles and alternative political paths. Its detailed analysis of the conservative turn in China is considered essential for understanding contemporary Chinese politics.