One theory I’ve heard about the accelerating of the worsening conditions of western proletariat is that the USSR used to provide a bulwark against things getting too bad. People would point at the USSR and the illusion that capitalism was better for individual prosperity would collapse in comparison. Then, with the USSR gone things have been deteriorating for the past ~30 years.
If that is true, even somewhat, why haven’t we seen a similar effect from China’s example? Is the theory simply wrong? Maybe western capitalism is just unable to even offer scraps from the table at this point. Maybe people are unaware of how things are in China? Could we dare to expect that China’s example will force a lifting of the boot from our necks?
they don’t need to concede anything because the general public of western nations is still convinced china has 90% of their population in gulags and any wins they have is because of the gulags
i think that theory falls apart in modern times because of the severe ideological differences between then and now. socialism back then, even in the west, was regarded as legitimate and a viable alternative. now, in western countries, socialism is 100% tried and failed. it’s irredeemable, so any benefits other countries see from it are 100% because of the gulags.
Not just the general public, the average “”“leftist”“” has been convinced China a capitalist hellscape with all jobs being sweatshops and the like.
It’s always the same like three or four talking points too, every single time. They aren’t even particularly compelling ones.
It’s not like China is a perfect country that cannot be criticized whatsoever, but their arguments always boil down to “Oh yeah, social credit and winnie the pooh! TAKE THAT WUMAO”
With China becoming a holiday destination, with Visa free travel for several European states. Do you expect any effect at all in the future?
in near future, no. based on anecdotal evidence of interacting with west europeans, fear mongering about china has seeped to much, won’t shrug off anytime soon, specially with multiple crises and tensions rising in the world and the role china has on the global stage.
my guess is this effect will be seen in the global south, as china is delivering infrastructure and investments in africa and latin america.
