Xi says: who will succeed him?

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist explores two major themes: the uncertain future of China's leadership under Xi Jinping and the evolving prospects for Europe's tech sector. With the 21st Communist Party Congress approaching in 2032, the show examines whether Xi Jinping—having abolished term limits in 2018—will begin grooming a successor. Analyst James Miles argues that despite the absence of any visible signs of succession planning, the lack of younger talent in the Central Committee and the absence of a civilian co-chair in the Central Military Commission suggest a deliberate consolidation of power. The risk of instability after Xi's eventual departure looms large, especially amid ongoing purges and elite tensions. Meanwhile, Europe’s tech landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation. Once a laggard in global innovation, Europe is now benefiting from American and Chinese missteps—such as Trump-era tech distrust and China’s heavy-handed industrial subsidies—while homegrown success stories like Klarna, Spotify, and Revolut are fueling a new ecosystem. This has led to a 'flywheel' effect, with former employees launching startups and investors flowing into climate tech, defense tech, and deep tech. Though Europe is unlikely to rival the U.S. or China in scale, it may carve out influential niches in specialized high-tech fields. The episode closes with a tribute to Michel Roland, the controversial yet transformative French enologist who reshaped modern winemaking by prioritizing science, ripeness, and market appeal over tradition. His methods, though criticized as soulless by purists, revolutionized Bordeaux and influenced winemakers worldwide. His legacy reflects a broader tension between authenticity and innovation in both technology and culture.