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The Myth of Poverty Alleviation
Stephen Kotkin challenges the narrative that the Communist Party lifted 700 to 800 million people out of poverty. He argues that it was the party's rule that initially put these people into poverty, emphasizing that the true agency lies with the people themselves who ultimately lift themselves out of their circumstances.
"People say the Communist Party brought 700, 800 million people out of poverty. No, the Communist Party put those people into poverty. >> Why are a billion plus people in poverty? Because of the party'..."
The Myth of Communist Poverty Alleviation
Stephen Kotkin challenges the narrative that the Communist Party lifted 700 to 800 million people out of poverty. He argues that the party's rule is the root cause of poverty, emphasizing that it is the people themselves who ultimately lift themselves out of their circumstances. Kotkin highlights the failures of communism, including its ability to suppress political alternatives, which leaves the populace with no choice but to endure the regime's injustices.
"People say the Communist Party brought 700, 800 million people out of poverty. No, the Communist Party put those people into poverty. >> Why are a billion plus people in poverty? Because of the party'..."
Suppression of Alternatives
Kotkin discusses how communism survives by suppressing political alternatives, citing historical examples from Stalin's collectivization and the current Chinese regime. He explains that while economic liberalization has occurred, political liberalization remains stifled, allowing society, particularly the peasant class, to create wealth and prosperity independently of the Communist Party.
"There's no other place for them to go and say, "We don't like the injustices of the Tsarist regime and we don't like what communism is doing. Therefore, there's something else that we can go to that's..."
Economic Liberalization vs. Political Suppression
In this segment, Kotkin discusses the paradox of economic liberalization in China under Communist rule. He explains that while the regime allows some market behaviors to generate wealth and prosperity, it simultaneously suppresses political liberalization. This dynamic leads to the emergence of family-owned businesses and larger enterprises, illustrating how societal forces, rather than the Communist Party, drive economic success.
"There's no other place for them to go and say, "We don't like the injustices of the Tsarist regime and we don't like what communism is doing. Therefore, there's something else that we can go to that's..."