The Letchworth Settlement:  User Groups

The rise of China in the last 20 years has been remarkable.   It is generally believed that the Chinese and American economies will be equal by the mid 2020s.   Why has China become so powerful ?    We will consider the reasons for China’s power during its long history and the strong cultural values that have developed.   We will then look at China in the 20th century -  the 40 years of social change, intellectual ferment, civil and foreign war;  the turbulent and revolutionary rule of Mao;  the big changes that came under Deng.
What are the causes and consequences of the dramatic economic growth of recent years ?     We will consider the issues of freedom and control in this authoritarian and complex state, human rights, the reaction to dissent, population control.   We will examine the tensions between free market capitalism, a growing middle class, widespread and high level education, and a one party state.
China has now almost emerged fully on the international stage.   What are its relations with the USA, Russia, India and Japan?  Power in the world is in a state of flux, making this a very relevant course.  It should produce lively discussion.