Daniel Leese

Prof. Dr. Daniel Leese is a full professor of History and Politics of Modern China at the University of Freiburg's Institute of Sinology. He specializes in 20th-century Chinese history, focusing on the Communist Party's legacy and transitional justice. Current research includes a dual biography of Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong, and analysis of PRC information systems.

Education: PhD in International History (2006, International University Bremen). Academic roles include ERC grant leadership (2014-2019) and FRIAS Senior Fellowship (2018-2019). Awards include Carl Friedrich von Siemens Fellowship (2022/2023).

Key publications:

• Maos langer Schatten (2021)
• Justice After Mao (2023)
• Chinesisches Denken der Gegenwart (2023)

Research emphasizes Mao's political impact, historical justice mechanisms, and institutional memory. Maintains a digital archive of Mao-era documents (maoistlegacy.de).