Easing restrictions in China
Description:
In order for China to be one of the, or even the most important economy in the world, it would have to make changes in its policy’s. These changes will broaden it’s the way of thinking and will create better communication between nations. It is clear that China tries to protect its people with these policies, but there are also different solutions to this. The Chinese government has been using censorship to help maintain control within the country. As more moderate factions take power in the country the sharp control of media and thought seem to be being relaxed.
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Enablers:
- Adapting laws
- Free Press
- Economic Growth: As more wealth enters the country people have time to work slightly less and to start to question some of the traditionally accepted views put in place by the government.
- Industrialization: As China rushes to catch-up with the rest of the world in terms of industrialization, it focuses less on censorship and more on developing the country.
Inhibitors:
- Strict government: The government is still quite focused on maintaining power and a fair amount of censorship is still enforced. This is especially true in terms of censoring websites.
- Existing Political system: Because the current system only allows candidates to remain as party leader for two terms, it is possible that more radical factions could gain control of the government and focus more heavily on revolution and change as in the past.
Paradigms:
Cooperation between China and other nations will improve tremendously. As China continues to ease the censorships and restrictions on its citizens and as it continues to open up to foreign nationals in an attempt to grow its economy, there is a gradual movement towards a more democratic system within the country. This leaves open the idea that China may soon cease to be communist.
Experts:
- Chinese Citizens
Timing:
Looking at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, see what has changed. This example highlights easing of censorship as foreign press was allowed in to the country to cover the olympic games. It also allowed locals to mix and talk with foreign nationals to some degree.
Revision History:
- Created by Glenn van der Meyden
- Updated by Geoff Spielman, September 15th, 2009