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ChinaTalk
Soviet Ruins and China's Future
Oct 21, 2024
Yakov Feygin, author of "Building a Ruin," dives into the economic struggles of the Soviet Union and parallels with contemporary China. He discusses the strengths and limitations of Stalin's economic model and Khrushchev's shift towards competition with capitalism. The conversation highlights how technological optimism inspired Soviet reforms, many of which echo in Chinese policies today. Feygin also unveils the ideological battles within the Soviet leadership and the historical insights that can inform China's future trajectory.
01:43:05
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Quick takeaways
- The Stalinist model prioritized rapid industrialization through high investment, but eventually became inadequate for addressing societal complexities and consumer needs.
- Khrushchev's attempts to pivot from military focus to consumer welfare revealed the challenges of transitioning economic strategies while contending with ingrained industrial priorities.
Deep dives
Understanding the Soviet Project Post-Stalin
The primary focus of the discussion centers around the evolution of socialism in the Soviet Union following Stalin's demise. Key elements include the political factions that emerged and their attempts to redefine socialism in line with changing global dynamics. The conversation highlights that Stalin's planned economy was rooted in certain historical assumptions about capitalism and international relations, which became increasingly inadequate as global conditions evolved. Ultimately, this analysis suggests that failed attempts to reinvent the Soviet system not only altered the definition of socialism but also led to a destabilization of the institutional structures that had previously supported it.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode