Kishore Mahbubani is a Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS). Mahbubani has been privileged to enjoy two distinct careers, in diplomacy (1971 to 2004) and in academia (2004 to 2019). He is a prolific writer who has spoken in many corners of the world. Mr Mahbubani has received significant international recognition for his many accomplishments.
This video explores China’s ambitions as it ascends to global power. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
China’s Priorities:
- National Rejuvenation: China’s primary goal is to revitalize its civilization and restore its historical prominence, driven by a desire to overcome past humiliations.
- Economic Prosperity and Cultural Development: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prioritizes economic growth and cultural advancement over imposing its political system on other countries.
Potential Impact of Democratization:
- The video suggests a seemingly paradoxical outcome: a more democratic China could become more nationalistic and assertive.
- The CCP’s current structure might unintentionally hold back extreme Chinese nationalism, potentially benefiting the global stage.
Hong Kong and Taiwan:
- These regions might face short-term political hurdles, but they’re likely to retain a degree of autonomy and benefit economically from regional growth.
China’s Approach to Power:
- China’s rise differs from the US model. It prioritizes actions over ideology and doesn’t seek to force its values on others.
- Learning from the Soviet Union’s collapse, China might opt for a gradual and controlled transition to democracy, if it happens at all.
Unanswered Questions:
- The video doesn’t delve into the specifics of how China will manage its ascension.
- The extent of CCP control remains unclear. However, the video suggests it acts as a check on potentially aggressive nationalism.
The Road to Democracy:
- The speaker predicts an eventual shift towards democracy in China, but not anytime soon.
- The emphasis is on a controlled transition, prioritizing stability and economic well-being over a rapid shift.