So even though this is a fumble, it is a fumble on a timescale that is difficult for anyone to plan for.
I should add to my point on the other comment. I can imagine that the 90s would have been very dark times for any socialist or communist. I certainly would have never been able to hold on to any hope if I was alive back then no matter how much of a principled ML I would have been.
I think it is as much a testament to the faith that Deng Xiaoping had in the Chinese people as it is a matter of western hubris that China was able to take over the world's industries.
I do think it is important for us to highlight not just the west's weaknesses, but also the strengths that other parts of the world possessed. Otherwise we might fall into a eurocentric trap of thinking that Euro-American imperialism's defeat is just because of their decadent nature.
I very much agree. China ultimately charted their own course, and they managed to outplay the west at every turn. In fact, I think it can be argued that China managed to recognize and capitalize on western hubris. China played an excellent game hiding their true strength, and allowing western chauvinism blind the west to the shift in power balance. Even today, most westerners still don't understand just how advanced China has become since the 90s. The shock around China's chip production is a perfect example of that.
I should add to my point on the other comment. I can imagine that the 90s would have been very dark times for any socialist or communist. I certainly would have never been able to hold on to any hope if I was alive back then no matter how much of a principled ML I would have been.
I think it is as much a testament to the faith that Deng Xiaoping had in the Chinese people as it is a matter of western hubris that China was able to take over the world's industries.
I do think it is important for us to highlight not just the west's weaknesses, but also the strengths that other parts of the world possessed. Otherwise we might fall into a eurocentric trap of thinking that Euro-American imperialism's defeat is just because of their decadent nature.
I very much agree. China ultimately charted their own course, and they managed to outplay the west at every turn. In fact, I think it can be argued that China managed to recognize and capitalize on western hubris. China played an excellent game hiding their true strength, and allowing western chauvinism blind the west to the shift in power balance. Even today, most westerners still don't understand just how advanced China has become since the 90s. The shock around China's chip production is a perfect example of that.