Zhongtian Han, "Communication Intelligence and the Rise of Mao: The Long March (1934–1936) & the Korean War (1950–1953)"

Zhongtian Han discusses the rise of a leader-centered authoritarianism centered around Mao in the Chinese Communist Party, and the role played by communication intelligence in this process. Focusing on the Long March (1934–1936) and the Korean War (1950–1953) periods, the paper suggests that Mao’s effective use of communication intelligence in the two crises was crucial for his establishment of charismatic authority within the party and the army. Based on the military achievements, Mao was able to centralize the command power within the Chinese Communist forces and establish himself as the primary authority in the Communist command structure. By the end of the Long March in 1936, Mao’s position as the supreme commander of the Red Army was firmly established. By the end of the Korean War in 1953, no other Communist commanders could doubt Mao’s strategic decisions or visions.

Zhongtian Han is a Ph.D. Candidate in Modern Chinese History at the George Washington University. His research focuses on the political and military history of modern China and Japan. He is currently completing a dissertation on communication technologies and cryptology in modern Chinese warfare. His teaching interests include courses on Chinese history, East Asian history and World history.

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