I have found plenty of reading on the short term benefits/opportunities afforded Cixi in her support; whether riding popular sentiment, her hatred for foreign powers due to their manipulation of her country, the support of Guangxu Emperor by the foreigners, etc. but I feel like was a distinct lack in long-term goals.
The following is a quote from her (pulled from the wiki, source; Joseph Esherick (1988). The Origins of the Boxer Uprising. University of California Press. p. 289. ISBN 0-520-06459-3.):
"Perhaps their magic is not to be relied upon; but can we not rely on the hearts and minds of the people? Today China is extremely weak. We have only the people's hearts and minds to depend upon. If we cast them aside and lose the people's hearts, what can we use to sustain the country?"
So there does seem to be some awareness on her part the potential imbalance of power in any upcoming struggle between China and the foreign Western Powers. However, the quote does also seem to capture her need to ride the wave of sentiment in her country.
I was wondering if anyone had come across any firm long-term goals Cixi had hoped for or set in motion, what were the plans to keep China free of Western interference and stand resilient against any potential repercussions?
Thanks all.
More can of course be said, but you may find this past answer of mine, discussing the internal political struggles of the Qing at the time of the Boxer crisis, covers a decent amount of what you're after. Feel free to ask any follow-ups about things I didn't cover or which you want elaboration on.