What does Bo Xilai’s trial mean for other graft cases?

The trial of Bo Xilai is the last nail in the coffin of the once-high-flyer's political life, as the former Politburo member and Chongqing party chief disappears into the obscurity of widely expected long-term imprisonment.

But the new leadership under President and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping, now has to face the fallout from the mainland's worst political scandal in decades and controversial political legacy of the former politician, which some analysts say is likely to be felt for many years to come.

Despite the charge against Bo being apolitical - embezzlement, bribery and abuse of power - many observers believe that the real reason behind the former demagogic communist leader's disgraced downfall is political.

They say Bo fell foul of the central powers as a result of his populist strategies aimed at drumming up political support for his personal ambitions.

They also point out that only the trouble surrounding his wife Gu Kailai, and former close associate Wang Lijun, have made it possible for his political enemies in Beijing to take him down.

"I agree with the assessment that a guilty verdict is a foregone conclusion and the main remaining issue is the severity of the punishment," said Dali Yang, professor of political science at the University of Chicago.

"Yet it is what is left out of the trial that prompts thought on the current political situation," said Yang.