ChinaTalk Larry Summers on China
Jul 1, 2021
Larry Summers, a Harvard professor and former U.S. Treasury Secretary, delves into the evolution of China's economic policies and its shift towards a self-reliant ideology. He discusses the impact of historical events on American universities and their relationship with China. The conversation also touches on the significance of navigating global economic challenges, particularly regarding climate change and public health. Additionally, they explore China's demographic changes and the perception of its government among citizens.
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Historical Bureaucracies of Interest
- Larry Summers expresses interest in witnessing the Marshall Plan's conception and implementation.
- He also mentions Chinese economic reform planning post-1979 and the pre-WWI European foreign ministries.
China's Shift Away from Western Influence
- China has become less receptive to Western influence over time, embracing its own economic path.
- Factors include increased economic success, declining admiration for Western practices, and rising US-China tensions.
Technology and Authoritarianism
- Summers didn't anticipate how information technology could reinforce authoritarianism.
- He contrasts this with earlier assumptions about technology promoting openness, citing examples like social credit systems.