Yasheng Huang has written two of Tyler’s favorite books on China: Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics, which contrasts an entrepreneurial rural China and a state-controlled urban China, and The Rise and Fall of the EAST, which argues that Keju—China’s civil service exam system—played a key role in the growth and expanding power of the Chinese state. Yasheng joined Tyler to discuss China’s lackluster technological innovation, why declining foreign investment is more of a concern than a declining population, why Chinese literacy stagnated in the 19th century, how he believes the imperial exam system deprived China of a thriving civil society, why Chinese succession has been so stable, why the Six Dynasties is his favorite period in Chinese history, why there were so few female emperors, why Chinese and Chinese Americans have done less well becoming top CEOs of American companies compared to Indians and Indian Americans, where he’d send someone on a two week trip to China, what he learned from János Kornai, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.  Recorded January 17th, 2023 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter Follow Yasheng on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here. Photo credit: MIT Sloan School

MIT professor Yasheng Huang discusses his new book 'The Rise and Fall of the EAST' on Sinica podcast. Topics include China's success, political constraints, correlation between wealth and negative outcomes, significance of multiple wives in Chinese culture, cognitive rewiring, China's political evolution, Needham question on science and technology, China's anti-corruption campaign, and the rise and fall of the East.

Last year China's population fell for the first time in 60 years with the national birth rate hitting a record low. China's birth rate has in fact been declining for years but an older population will pose a real challenge for China economically, politically and strategically. So, what will the consequences be for China and the rest of the world if this vast economy - the second largest in the world – of a waning workforce and an ageing population? The ruling Communist Party is introducing a range of policies to try to encourage couples to have more babies. But it was only seven years ago that the Chinese government scrapped the controversial one-child policy, replacing it with the two-child policy in 2016 and the three-child policy in 2021. The government is also offering tax breaks and better maternal healthcare, among other incentives, in an effort to reverse, or at least slow, the falling birth rate. Nothing so far has worked. So how concerning is population decline for China and the rest of the world? How much of an issue is gender inequality and the cost of raising a child? What will an older, frailer population do to the Chinese economy? And, as climate change intensifies, is population decline really a problem? Chris Morris is joined by: Yun Zhou - a social demographer, family sociologist and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. Isabel Hilton – a journalist and founder of the bilingual website China Dialogue - an organisation dedicated to promoting a common understanding of China’s environmental challenges. Yasheng Huang - professor of global economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of the forthcoming book on China, The Rise and the Fall of the EAST. Also featuring: Victor Gao - Vice President of the Beijing-based Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank with links to the Chinese Communist Party.Producer: Pandita Lorenz and Ellen Otzen(Photo: China's Sichuan province shifts birth control policies, Shanghai, 31 Jan 2023. Credit: Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)

Yasheng Huang, author of "The Rise and Fall of the EAST," dives into the complexities of China's governance from 1949 to the present. He reveals how Mao selectively adopted imperial practices while reshaping governance, and contrasts China's rapid growth with India’s struggles despite turbulence. The discussion spans Xi Jinping's unique leadership approach, the aftermath of Tiananmen, and the failures of engagement with China regarding political liberalization. Huang also offers creative solutions for human rights advocacy and critiques the impact of China's political trajectory on U.S. relations.

Delve into China's economic challenges from deflation to overcapacity, with insights from leading economists. Explore youth unemployment, state sector dominance, and future projections. Unravel the complexities of China's economic growth amidst global shifts and geopolitical implications.

Yasheng Huang, an acclaimed author and expert on China's governance, discusses the influential imperial examination system and its legacy. He reveals how this system shaped governance, allowing autocratic dynasties to thrive on meritocracy. The conversation dives into social mobility in imperial China, the system's survival after the Mongol conquest, and its implications for modern China's economic future. Co-host Ilari Mäkelä adds depth to the exploration of historical narratives and their impact on today's political dynamics.

Yasheng Huang, MIT professor, discusses China's examination system's impact on politics, economy, and innovation. Topics include: his personal journey, civil service exams, developing human capital, impact of the exam system, China's innovation peak and decline, collaboration with the West, and the future of U.S.-China relationship.

Given the disruptive events unfolding in China in recent weeks, what does the future holds for Xi Jinping and the country? Some say that this is a pivotal moment for Xi’s strongman rule, especially given that the Chinese economy is also suffering. And what do China’s political and economic challenges mean for the rest of the world? To answer these questions we’re joined by Yasheng Huang professor at MIT and author of Capitalism with Chinese characteristics and Kerry Brown, Director of the Lau China Institute at Kings College London and author of Xi: A study in power. Our host for this episode is Carl Miller.Did you know that Intelligence Squared offers way more than podcasts? We’ve just launched a new online streaming platform Intelligence Squared+ and we’d love you to give it a go. It’s packed with more than 20 years’ worth of video debates and conversations on the world’s hottest topics. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch back on-demand totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into. The usual price is £14.99 a month, but we want to give our podcast listeners a special offer to try it out. For 10 days only, we’re offering a subscription for only £10 a month. Offer ends at midnight GMT on Tuesday 20th December. Visit intelligencesquaredplus.com and use the discount code MONTH10 or ANNUAL10 to start watching today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yasheng Huang, an MIT professor specializing in Chinese history and economics, engages in a critical analysis of China's current trajectory. They discuss Xi Jinping's rise and the potential pitfalls of his repressive government. Huang reveals misconceptions held by both Chinese leaders and Western analysts about China's economic miracle. The conversation hints at the looming threat of political chaos as the country grapples with its complex governance issues. The episode wraps up with profound reflections on humanity's unpredictable nature.

China's economic history is discussed in 'The Rise and Fall of the EAST', focusing on exams, autocracy, stability, and technology as major contributors. The declining property sector, lack of investment in people, and current political leadership raises concerns for China's future. The podcast delves into parallels with global economic trends, China's property sector influence on GDP growth, and the impact of historical examination system on society and governance.