3 ms·

China has mastered the balancing act between authoritarian and free market policies. In a way, the West's persistence that eventually prosperity would lead to D

China has mastered the balancing act between authoritarian and free market policies. In a way, the West's persistence that eventually prosperity would lead to Democratic policies always seemed a bit condescending and short sighted to me, democracy is a strong form of government, but why does it have to be the only one? The big variable here is growth, the social contract between China and it's citizens seems to be one of: we'll provide you with massive growth in exchange for privacy and lack of control. There was plenty of space for growth and millions of Chinese moved to the middle class, but once growth slows will they demand more? Has the government clamped down on speech already been too effective to derail a liberalization movement? At the end of the day, I think China is just too large to not outpace the United States as a global leader. China has learned how to grow from all the Western Powers and has an incredible amount of greenfield to keep going.

bitxbit 8y ago
I would counter this by saying China has been and will always be an inward looking country. This alone limits its ability to be a global leader.
- kamaal 8y ago
  Every country is that way in some measure. The US plays sports which most people in the world don't even know exists(Baseball). Every country's politics is unique due to historical context, so are their cultures, religions and languages. But all countries are also same in the way that we are all humans.
SubiculumCode 8y ago
Mastered? Far too soon to say that. Within the span of a few decades they moved from party rule where there seemed to be a meritocracy in place, to authoritarian rule by their president, which included an "anti-corruption" campaign that conveniently consolidated power and removed other power blocs. Doesn't sound like they are maintaining the balance you extol
- 40acres 8y ago
  You're correct, it might be too soon to say mastered. But they are striking a balance that has not been seen in the modern world, the fact that their economy is so strong and so central to the global economy is a very big advantage. It's one thing to try to balance authorities and free market policies in Venezuela, or even Russia, but China has a massive advantage in population and strength of the economy. The USSR was no where near where China is even at the height of its powers. China is moving more into a service based economy and has plans to become a major importer. Xi honestly IS the biggest threat but relatively speaking, there have been really successful nation-states that have similar consolidated power and have been historically successful. I think we are way to sure of ourselves that China will fail with this model, but so far they are doing an excellent job all things considered.

bitxbit 8y ago

I would counter this by saying China has been and will always be an inward looking country. This alone limits its ability to be a global leader.

kamaal 8y ago
Every country is that way in some measure. The US plays sports which most people in the world don't even know exists(Baseball). Every country's politics is unique due to historical context, so are their cultures, religions and languages. But all countries are also same in the way that we are all humans.

SubiculumCode 8y ago

Mastered? Far too soon to say that. Within the span of a few decades they moved from party rule where there seemed to be a meritocracy in place, to authoritarian rule by their president, which included an "anti-corruption" campaign that conveniently consolidated power and removed other power blocs. Doesn't sound like they are maintaining the balance you extol

40acres 8y ago
You're correct, it might be too soon to say mastered. But they are striking a balance that has not been seen in the modern world, the fact that their economy is so strong and so central to the global economy is a very big advantage. It's one thing to try to balance authorities and free market policies in Venezuela, or even Russia, but China has a massive advantage in population and strength of the economy. The USSR was no where near where China is even at the height of its powers. China is moving more into a service based economy and has plans to become a major importer. Xi honestly IS the biggest threat but relatively speaking, there have been really successful nation-states that have similar consolidated power and have been historically successful. I think we are way to sure of ourselves that China will fail with this model, but so far they are doing an excellent job all things considered.