The current narrative of democracy vs. autocracy is popularized by western politicians and the media to describe the two major systems of government engaged in a global struggle for dominance.
Democracies are often described as being more accountable to their citizens, more respectful of human rights, and more likely to promote peace and prosperity. Autocracies, on the other hand, are seen as more repressive, less accountable, and more likely to abuse individual freedom.
Many criticize this narrative as overly simplistic and propagandistic. It ignores emerging geopolitical trends as it does not take into account significant variations and gradations as manifested in each system.
More significantly, this narrative does not take into account the cultural differences between the US and China.
Salient points of Chinese Culture:
- Family Values: Family members are expected to be loyal and supportive of each other with elders being revered and followed as in the top-down approach of the Chinese government.
- Harmony and Balance: The importance of maintaining balance and harmony is compatible with the Chinese government’s focus on social stability and control.
- Education and Hard Work: This cultural value aligns with the government’s focus on economic development and technological advancement, achieved through education and hard work.
- Tradition and Ancestral Respect: This is congruent with the government’s attempts to maintain a centralized, traditional, and ritual bound system.
Salient points of US Culture:
- Individualism: Americans value individual rights, self-reliance, and minimal government intervention of personal lives.
- Egalitarianism: Americans believe in the principle of equality, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social status. This is the basis for equal protection and representation under the law.
- Freedom: Americans cherish their right to free speech, free expression, and free assembly.
- Optimism and Materialism: Americans are optimistic about the American Dream and the belief that hard work will be rewarded by material abundance. This aligns with the emphasis on economic opportunities and individual achievement.
While these cultural values offer insights into the foundations of both the US ‘democratic’ system and the Chinese ‘autocratic’ system, it’s important to recognize that these political systems are also influenced by historical events, economic conditions, and leadership decisions. Moreover, each system has its own merits and deficiencies and the jurors are still out on which system is more effective and accountable to serving its own citizens.
In summary, while economic and political factors contribute to tensions between China and the U.S., cultural differences play a significant role in shaping their interactions on the global stage.