This article provides the first comprehensive examination of the life and thought of Wang Huning, member of the Politburo, advisor to three Chinese leaders, and important contributor to major political conceptual formulations in contemporary China. In doing so, it seeks to derive insights into the role of intellectuals in China, and what this says about Chinese politics. It argues that, although intitally relectant to enter politics, Wang has become in effect a ‘hidden leader’, exercising a far-reaching influence on the nature of Chinese politics, shaped by major political debates concerning stability, economic growth and legitimacy.