I think what distinguishes China from other totalitarian regimes of the past century is that first, China appears to have little interest in exporting its ideology abroad, and second, its leaders ultimately appear to adhere to the rational self-interest of themselves and their country.
I always question people asserting that we have moved past the problems of the past. It seems to me that people don't change all that much, and those same impulses still drive us.
100 years ago a major war was considered impossible because of the economic interconnectedness of the nation states and the balance of the great power one against another. Shortly after, we had WWI.
12.27.2007 12:44pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
--|PW|--
100 years ago a major war was considered impossible because of the economic interconnectedness of the nation states and the balance of the great power one against another. Shortly after, we had WWI.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.