The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline

The long history of China's relationship between stability, diversity, and prosperity is threatened by its current leadership, which prioritizes conformity over new ideas and reverts to the Keju model that led to technological decline.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The intricate tapestry of China's historical relationship between stability, diversity, and prosperity has been a testament to the country's enduring spirit and resilience. Throughout centuries, China has navigated a delicate balance between these three essential elements, fostering a society that has flourished and evolved. However, the current leadership of China poses a significant threat to this delicate equilibrium, jeopardizing the very foundations upon which China's success has been built.

The East, a powerful force that has shaped Chinese society for centuries, encompasses a range of cultural, political, and economic principles. Exams, autocracy, stability, and technology have played pivotal roles in shaping China's trajectory, creating a society that is both orderly and efficient. However, this uniformity came at a cost, stifling creativity and innovation.

In his groundbreaking book, "China's Stagnation: The Costs of Conformity," Yasheng Huang delves into the historical roots of China's transition from dynamism to extreme stagnation. The introduction of the civil service exam, known as Keju, in 587 CE marked a turning point in Chinese history, as it homogenized ideas, norms, and practices, leading to a stifling of creativity. This uniformity was particularly evident during the periods of the Tang dynasty and under the reformist CCP, when China experienced periods of prosperity and growth.

Huang argues that the key to China's past success lay in its ability to balance scale, or the size of bureaucracy, with scope, or the diversity of ideas. During these prosperous periods, China was able to harness the power of innovation and creativity, leading to advancements in various fields, from technology to art and literature. However, under the current leadership of Xi Jinping, China has veered away from this balanced approach, prioritizing conformity above new ideas.

The CCP has reintroduced the Keju model, which led to the decline of China's technological prowess in the past. This regression to a homogenous system stifles creativity and innovation, limiting the potential for China to continue its economic and technological growth. It is a sobering reminder of China's own history, where periods of stagnation and decline were often caused by a lack of diversity and a prioritization of conformity.

As China faces a range of challenges, from economic instability to geopolitical tensions, it is crucial that its leaders recognize the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between stability, diversity, and prosperity. The lessons from history should serve as a guiding light, urging Chinese leaders to embrace new ideas and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. By doing so, China can continue to thrive as a global leader and contribute to the betterment of the world.

In conclusion, the long history of China's relationship between stability, diversity, and prosperity is a testament to the country's enduring spirit and resilience. However, the current leadership of China poses a significant threat to this delicate equilibrium. By prioritizing conformity over new ideas and reintroducing the Keju model, China risks stifling creativity and innovation, which are essential for its continued growth and success. It is time for Chinese leaders to embrace the lessons from history and prioritize a balanced approach between stability, diversity, and prosperity. Only then can China continue to thrive as a global leader and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 172 x 250 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266368