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Enter the Dragon

Understanding the History and Future of Chinese Development

For information on this program, please contact Chris Myers at cmyers2@gmu.edu.

Click here to view a video archive of this course

Featuring:

Dr. Christopher Lingle
Visiting Professor
Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok

Napoleon once referred to China as the "Sleeping Dragon," and he advised European leaders from his era that they would be better off to let it sleep. Today, however, the dragon is wide awake, and no one can ignore the dynamic changes that have taken place.

Over the last few decades, China has abandoned its Maoist economic planning model in favor of giving its citizens a direct stake in the economy. As a result, the images of starving peasants suffering under the "Great Leap Forward" have been replaced by an emerging middle class, Olympic banners, homeowners, and the spread of commerce.

Despite these undeniable advances, life is far from perfect in the Middle Kingdom. Some economists estimate that corruption in China could cost up to 14% of its potential GDP, and the government in Beijing has not developed many of the institutions needed to cope with this problem. Other factors - such as China's unreliable official economic statistics, single party rule, emerging border disputes, demographic challenges, and heavily censored media - further complicate matters. Many wonder, in the face of problems like these, if China can develop the institutions necessary to sustain its growth.

To address these important issues, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University will host Dr. Christopher Lingle, visiting professor at the Institute for International Studies at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok. Dr. Lingle will explore the economic and institutional successes and shortcomings of Chinese development, as well as answer specific questions and concerns, such as:

• What factors were responsible for China's remarkable economic progress?
• What adjustments have the Communist Party made to accommodate this growth?
• How are China's neighbors coping with its success?
• What challenges stand in the way of future progress?