Oct 28, 2022·edited Oct 28, 2022Liked by Angelica Oung
Short and to the point a rare skill!
I think the paradox of tolerance needs to be updated Hitler/'Stalin/Mao all came to power via the the barrel of a gun where as today authoritarians come via the democrat process (think Hungary, Poland and state level GOP) as well via gate keeper status (woke left). That along with the fact that Free Speech is now equated with fascism. means we need a new way of looking at this.
Great article, Angelica, especially the very relevant point about the paradox about tolerance. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, Xi will be no different. Let’s hope, to quote Frasier, he joins the rest of all despots on the ash heap of history.
Also, minor typo in your headline! Should be “Is this the…”
Hope to hear you on David McWilliams podcast again soon! Enjoy Kilkenomics where you are there. Wish I could be there to take part in it all!
I’m so glad you’ll be returning to David’s pod again soon, I am really looking forward to that! It is heartening to see that as you point out the world is acting accordingly to Xi’s machinations. The next few years will be critical, won’t they? As you’ve mentioned in past episodes, Xi has designs on Taiwan and making it part of his legacy to go after it, and given his age and now that he’s been re-confirmed as leader, he’s built up a lot of momentum leading to that.
I am hoping that he ultimately manages to exercise restraint and see that it’s not worth it, but that is far from definite and yes I sure hope US and Japan and others are already deep in planning how to counter in this post-Modern era of war. Catch you on the podcast soon.
The 'factions' in Chinese government so beloved by Western China watchers are imaginary.
There have been historical moments when the government has been faction-riven, but this is not one of them. China is more united today than ever in its history.
Trust in their government is 96%, which alone renders factionalism farcical. Who's going to form a "Let's do Worse" faction?
Excellent article. Very well-written. And interesting to learn about "The Paradox of Intolerance". Thank you.
Short and to the point a rare skill!
I think the paradox of tolerance needs to be updated Hitler/'Stalin/Mao all came to power via the the barrel of a gun where as today authoritarians come via the democrat process (think Hungary, Poland and state level GOP) as well via gate keeper status (woke left). That along with the fact that Free Speech is now equated with fascism. means we need a new way of looking at this.
Rob
Great article, Angelica, especially the very relevant point about the paradox about tolerance. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, Xi will be no different. Let’s hope, to quote Frasier, he joins the rest of all despots on the ash heap of history.
Also, minor typo in your headline! Should be “Is this the…”
Hope to hear you on David McWilliams podcast again soon! Enjoy Kilkenomics where you are there. Wish I could be there to take part in it all!
I’m so glad you’ll be returning to David’s pod again soon, I am really looking forward to that! It is heartening to see that as you point out the world is acting accordingly to Xi’s machinations. The next few years will be critical, won’t they? As you’ve mentioned in past episodes, Xi has designs on Taiwan and making it part of his legacy to go after it, and given his age and now that he’s been re-confirmed as leader, he’s built up a lot of momentum leading to that.
I am hoping that he ultimately manages to exercise restraint and see that it’s not worth it, but that is far from definite and yes I sure hope US and Japan and others are already deep in planning how to counter in this post-Modern era of war. Catch you on the podcast soon.
The 'factions' in Chinese government so beloved by Western China watchers are imaginary.
There have been historical moments when the government has been faction-riven, but this is not one of them. China is more united today than ever in its history.
Trust in their government is 96%, which alone renders factionalism farcical. Who's going to form a "Let's do Worse" faction?