No explanation given in the cushvlogs. One week asked for recommendations, next week said he chose this one because it’s short. I believe he doesn’t read
Having given the book a run through, I believe Matt's perspective on the world lines up with the author, and won't find much to disagree with. Have to wait and see though
Did he say he believes this book or that he's going to read it. My man loves to talk about the Taiping Rebellion so it's not like he's going into the discussion of Chinese history blind.
He doesn't think China will be the next hegemonic power, because he thinks there will no longer be a hegemonic nation state over the next 100 years due to things like climate change. Instead there will just be little fiefs administering crisis capitalism before total collapse and dissolution. I don't think it's a bad thesis, I don't know what the China Boom book is like though - is it on the "China will collapse tomorrow" side?
he thinks there will no longer be a hegemonic nation state over the next 100 years due to things like climate change. Instead there will just be little fiefs administering crisis capitalism before total collapse and dissolution
Tainter, Joseph A. 1990. The Collapse of Complex Societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
For a guy who allegedly never reads (though I don't believe him), why did Matt choose that book to believe.
No explanation given in the cushvlogs. One week asked for recommendations, next week said he chose this one because it’s short. I believe he doesn’t read
A short book (especially one you disagree with) is a great thing to tangentially hang your own arguments off of and Matt loves to go off on tangents.
Having given the book a run through, I believe Matt's perspective on the world lines up with the author, and won't find much to disagree with. Have to wait and see though
Did he say he believes this book or that he's going to read it. My man loves to talk about the Taiping Rebellion so it's not like he's going into the discussion of Chinese history blind.
He doesn't think China will be the next hegemonic power, because he thinks there will no longer be a hegemonic nation state over the next 100 years due to things like climate change. Instead there will just be little fiefs administering crisis capitalism before total collapse and dissolution. I don't think it's a bad thesis, I don't know what the China Boom book is like though - is it on the "China will collapse tomorrow" side?
Tainter, Joseph A. 1990. The Collapse of Complex Societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.