Economic progress is commonly associated with democratization, and in many cases this theory holds true. Taiwan is the exemplary East Asian model of a formerly authoritarian regime turned democratic due in part to economic development. Yet some nations, Singapore for example, maintain healthy economies and high standards of living despite the presence of authoritarianism within the government. Although China has experienced noteworthy economic development over the past twenty years, its government has not made any significant progress towards democracy.
Another possible conclusion that can be derived from the relationship between Chinese communism and the country’s dormant economy is that Mao failed to administer government policies wisely. In effect it was not communism that derailed China’s economy, but rather the errors of an individual in a position of power. Mao was too theoretical concerning communism in the wake of the 1949 revolution. The Chinese leader envisioned a perfect communal society modeled strictly after the doctrines and theories of great socialist writers. By following the guidelines presented by such writers as Marx and Engels, Mao sacrificed economic development in favor of the possibility of social reform. As Dwight Perkins says,
Mao based his knowledge of communism upon the theories of others, and thus never grasped the spirit of the political system that he intended to institute. Instead of criticizing Stalin because of his concern for the economy, Mao probably should have paid more attention to the Soviet example.
The Term Paper on Economic Planing And Development
Economic reform is a key to improving competitiveness, providing the environment for healthy business and job creation, reducing poverty and increasing social inclusion SOME INDICATORS:- * Price of telecommunication by type of call * Gas type electricity prices by types of uses * Gas prices by type of uses There reflect the competitiveness of the telecommunication and energy markets * Comparative ...
Critics argue that economic development inevitably leads to democratization. Antonio Chiang, for example, states that:
This public confidence is very important. It means that
people on the mainland are starting to challenge authority,
so that the party loses prestige, loses control. This cultural
change, this economic base, is very important”¦.the
authoritarianism gradually rots, from the inside out. It
erodes. Its not an explosion, it just melts down. It melts
like ice cream in the sun.7
By studying China we see that it is possible for any type of government to promote economic development without experiencing a change in the political system. China’s government instituted reforms that gave economic freedom to the nation’s industries, yet it made sure not open any loopholes that could possibly compromise its power. Authoritarian regimes lose control when they allow democratization to follow in the wake of economic progress. Deng did not change the political system of China when he instituted his economic reforms, and thus he kept democracy from creeping into the government. Instead of destroying China’s authoritarian regime, economic development prolonged the government’s existence by instilling a sense of financial freedom in the people.