China, Democracy, and World Peace

Today's Kennedy School Forum was on the "Rise of China's Soft Power". It was super crowded (China is in demand whether by Asians living here in America or American's seeking to make some quick $$s in China). Although the title appeared to hint at a complex issue, it can really be boiled down to the point that China is gaining power and influence (especially in South East Asia) and what does this mean for us.

What surprised me was the notion expounded by one of the panelists that rule by an elite can be beneficial... He argued that an open democracy like the one the US has is susceptible to forms of corruption. While this may be all too true! especially today with the politics becoming the new nexus of power, money, and special interests, I fail to see how a group of elected elites or technocrats would not fall into the temptation of corruption. You would have to believe that these elites, who either seized or were handed power, will act in the best interest of the people/country. Human nature alone leads you to believe this would be a challenge unless the interest of the elite were aligned with the majority of the country (which seems unlikely). At least in a democracy if there is corruption, there tends to be more transparency, so the issue can be surfaced more rapidly and there is a mechanism in place (known as a free election) to vote out the guilty parties.

Another comment I found particularly "off" was in the context of China's growth and relationships with its neighbors. A KSG student mentioned that Chinese culture was "peaceful". While Buddhist and Confucian teachings may preach and admire peacefulness, I do not understand how China as a nation can be deemed peaceful. Within the past century they have engaged in a Civil War (KMT vs. Mao), mass revolution (Cultural Revolution), the seizure of Tibet, shooting missiles towards Taiwan, skirmishes and seizure of Indian land, and on-and-on the story goes. I do not believe that China's growth will be peaceful. Based on past behavior, it is virtually assured that China will be forced to take strong military action in the future to quell either rural unrest or defend their position as other developing countries begin to grow.

In other news:

• Scott McClellan resigned. Woo hoo! (Now if only Rummy would too.)
• Karl Rove is back to focusing on midterm elections. Bummer! I wonder which new paraplegic Vietnam vet he plans to tar and feather with his dirty, dirty lies.