Mao Zedong (now a resurrected member of the legendary ISG) was a Chinese communist revolutionary and founding father of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which he ruled as Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from its establishment in 1949 until his death. Mao is a highly controversial figure. Supporters credit him with unifying China, ending a century of foreign domination and internal strife, and laying the foundation for China’s modernization. Critics highlight his authoritarian rule, disastrous policies, and the massive human cost of his campaigns. Mao remains a central figure in Chinese history and politics, with his image and ideology still influential in modern China.