The People’s Liberation Army in a New Era: Individuals, Ideas, and Influence

Authors

• Joel Wuthnow, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
• Derek Grossman
• Phillip C. Saunders, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
• Andrew Scobell
• Andrew N.D. Yang

Files

Description

The People’s Liberation Army in a New Era: Individuals, Ideas, and Influence assesses how China’s military has changed under Xi Jinping and the extent to which those changes reflect his leadership versus longer-term institutional trends. The volume addresses PLA modernization, organizational reform, political control, joint operations, deterrence, artificial intelligence, officer careers and training, Taiwan, China-Russia military exercises, military aid, and overseas security activities. It argues that while Xi has played a major role in shaping the PLA, many developments build on earlier reforms, enduring strategic priorities, and institutional practices.

Document Type

Book

Region(s)

China/East Asia, Indo-Pacific

Topic(s)

Chinese Military, Military Strategy, Strategic Competition

Publication Date

9-2026

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, D.C.

ISBN

978-0-9968249-5-8

Keywords

People’s Liberation Army, PLA, China, Xi Jinping, Chinese military modernization, military reform, joint operations, deterrence, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, Party-army relations

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4996-4241

Recommended Citation

Wuthnow, Joel; Grossman, Derek; Saunders, Phillip C.; Scobell, Andrew; and Yang, Andrew N.D., "The People’s Liberation Army in a New Era: Individuals, Ideas, and Influence" (2026). Books. 20.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/ndupress-books/20