Class: China’s Path of Development – A Unique Model of Socialist Construction
Date & Time: Saturday, October 19, 3-6PM EST
Description:
Since the victory of the Chinese Revolution in 1949 all the leaders of the ruling communist party focused on China’s economic and social development as the number one priority. But there emerged differences over how this could be best achieved. Confronted with the immense task of alleviating poverty, addressing land inequality, and rebuilding from nearly a century of colonial and imperial exploitation, the People’s Republic of China embarked in the late 1970’s on a new path to reclaim and economically develop their country through ‘opening up’ the economy to foreign investment and capital, a path marked by contention and deep division. They branded this new path Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. China adopted a mixed economic model that allowed for the re-emergence of a capitalist market and a capitalist class while the communist party-led state retained control over the commanding heights and strategic sectors of the economy. The United States, in the early phase of this reform process, expected that China would abandon socialism but eventually came to the conclusion that the Chinese Communist Party leadership would retain political power and its commitment to socialism. This inaugurated the new anti-China crusade that is shaping US foreign policy and its global military strategy. In this class we will examine the unique path to economic development and a socialist future that China has embraced during the past four decades. We will discuss the achievements, contradictions and challenges facing China in the new era
Instructors: Amanda Yee + Brian Becker
Register here!
If you have any questions, please contact us at education@peoplesforum.org.