People’s democracy today II

Having had a look at social welfare in a system that resembles a contemporary People’s Democracy, in this step we will look at its systems of government.

You may recall that Francis Fukuyama argued that liberal democracy was the final stage in the development of world history after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet union.

In his TEDTalk, Eric Li takes issue with the assumption that liberal democracy is by definition the most effective and emancipating system of government, and suggests that the Chinese model of government provides an equally suitable framework. Whilst he does not frame the talk specifically in terms of eudaimonia, or the ‘good life,’ it is clear from his portrayal of Chinese governance that it can provide for individuals’ self-development at least as well as capitalist, liberal democracy.

As you are watching the video, consider whether or not you, your family, or your friends, would do as well as they are doing now if they were living within the Chinese system. If you are in fact Chinese, it would be fascinating to hear whether or not you think that Li’s portrayal of Chinese government is accurate – do you recognise the picture of China that he is portraying?