[Aaron Rabena]

It’s remarkable how Mao gave birth to the New China and how Deng enriched it which led to the so-called Chinese Economic Miracle. Deng realized that without incentives, people will not be motivated to work. Although one consequence of Deng’s liberal economic policy is the inequality that has arisen amongst China’s regions and provinces. It remains to be seen if China can hurdle the Middle Income Trap. 

 

[Aaron Rabena]

In the wake of China's rapid economic ascent and modernization, the State seeks to remind the people of Confucian values, particularly the care for the elderly or filial piety. I think this is important if China wants its people to have values and not be consumed by materialism. There is now a lot of pressure to the young people as they grow -- that is to help their parents and save for their future family against the backdrop of sky high price of houses and cost of living. People being apathetic to those hit by accidents is also a symptom of a China that needs social values reform and awakening. Given the massive pollution that has struck China, owing to the process of industrialization, China has been forced to adopt sustainable development measures to mitigate the hazards of pollution and the danger it poses to public health and food safety.

[Aaron Rabena]

It's very interesting to know how China has opened its economy and how the society followed suit. The latter can be observed in the rise of consumerism in China especially amongst the youth, and how they have become more Westernized. While China has already opened economcially and socially, it is noticeable that there are still limits as to how China is liberalizing, particularly in the political realm, as there continues to be censorship. And I think this is because the CPC wants to maintain stability given that they perceive some Western political values or narratives detrimental to their legitimacy. Also important to note is the fact that not all efforts to open the economy came from the Party or the State as in the case of the Xiaogang Village in Anhui Province.  

[Aaron Rabena]

Hello Everyone! Looking forward to learning a lot from this

short course!

[Aaron Rabena]

This was an amazing lecture. It was fascinating to understand the factors that led to Japan's industrial sucess and failure (because of WWII or the rise of militarism).  

[Aaron Rabena]

This was a great backgrounder on Japan's geography and history. What struck me in this lecture is when Japan realized that it can no longer look up to China as the West had already become more developed and wealthier than it. Japan's openness to learn from the West was key to its enlightenment and be on the path of industrialization and correct their previous myopic views (due to seclusion). 

Overall, it was an excellent lecture and i enjoyed it very much. Thank you Professor!

[Aaron Rabena]

I never knew about this history of Japan. Really appreciated this lecture. What I found most interesting was the link between how Edo then prepared for the fires and eventually for the US' Air Raids. This made me realize that their preparations then was relevant to both natural and man-made disasters.   

[Aaron Rabena]

Thank you very much for this Professor! This was a very helpful backgrounder on Japan's transition from a traditional to a modern/industrialized society by embracing elements of Westernization. 

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