Earlier quoted context omitted.
> We all (those of us over 35) assumed that as they industrialised, they would gradually become democratic (in the sense of elections but also of human rights and rule of law). I think this was more like a willful delusion on the part of the supporters of such a theory. Either knowingly--so they exploit China's labor force and resources--or unknowingly--because they'd drank the cool aid offered by those trying to pro…
I actually disagree about South Africa. I think the regime itself there would have been toppled eventually but they made an active choice to go peacefully rather than for it to turn into a bloodbath 20 years later. I think this is a very interesting example because most regimes fail at that sort of pragmatism. But that's an aside, we will never know and it's just my opinion! :) Initially we got into bed with China (I…
This is my general feeling as well (at age 35). I agree on things like climate change as well, but I think even more concrete examples abound. Most of the diplomatic world has simply chosen to ignore the fact that China and Taiwan are two separate countries. The fact that we ignore the decades of threats of invasions coming from China concurrently with China's build up of the capabilities to actually attempt that invasion is totally unacceptable. And we do it so we can exploit cheap Chinese labor and resources. I find it morally despicable and extremely short-sited. If China ever puts its money where its mouth is, all I can hope is that the rest of the world doesn't pretend to be shocked and surprised.