Contrasting U.S. and China Approaches to Human Rights

The United States adopts a notably absolutist interpretation of certain civil liberties, particularly the right to free speech, compared with many other democracies. While other nations often balance individual rights against considerations such as public order, human dignity, or social harmony—for example, Germany prohibits Nazi propaganda—the U.S. approach largely rejects such restrictions. This model rests … Read more

Centralized vs. Federal Governance: China and U.S. Social Policy

The contrast between China’s ability to alleviate extreme poverty and the United States’ struggles with homelessness, crime, and the opioid and fentanyl crises highlights the differences between centralized and decentralized governance. China’s one-party, centralized state can implement large-scale initiatives efficiently, mobilizing resources and coordinating action across the country. In contrast, the U.S., with its federal … Read more

Understanding U.S. Power: Decline, Challenges, and Global Impact

The “America decline theory” claims the U.S. is in irreversible decline, but this is largely a myth. While concerns rise amid economic or political setbacks, history shows the U.S. recovers from crises. Often exaggerated, “decline” is relative—especially compared to rising powers like China—while ignoring U.S. strengths in innovation, military, and soft power. Political motives also … Read more

Parallels in Leadership: FDR and Xi Jinping in Crisis Eras

Franklin D. Roosevelt was able to serve four presidential terms. Similarly, it is plausible that Xi Jinping could serve four terms, especially against the backdrop of ongoing trade and technology tensions between the United States and China. In some respects, Xi Jinping can be seen as a 2020s counterpart to Franklin D. Roosevelt. The analogy … Read more

Why Northvolt Fell Short Against China’s Industrial Might

China’s industrial ecosystem generates a distinct competitive advantage, a strength that Western competitors such as Northvolt have consistently struggled to replicate. This advantage stems from the integration of multiple industrial elements—ranging from deep process knowledge and supply chain coordination to robust industrial commons and collaborative networks. Each element reinforces the others: process knowledge accelerates innovation, … Read more

Hubris and Overconfidence: The Fall of Northvolt

Northvolt’s downfall was not merely the result of technical or logistical issues—it stemmed largely from complacency, overconfidence, and hubris, which permeated its strategy, operations, and overall corporate mindset. Overconfidence in Capital and Reputation Northvolt’s early trajectory was marked by a profound overconfidence in the power of capital and reputation. The company assumed that billions in … Read more

China’s State-Led Capitalism: A Hybrid Path to Modernization

China’s state-led capitalism follows a unique trajectory that differs from the conventional Western notion of modernization, particularly the framework associated with the “Washington Consensus.” While the Western model emphasizes market liberalization and limited government involvement, China’s approach adopts a hybrid system that combines market forces with proactive state direction. This model allows China to harness … Read more

China’s Edge: Integrated Supply Chains vs. U.S. Fragmentation

Apple cancelled its decade-long effort to build an electric car in 2024, ending years of speculation without ever bringing a vehicle to market. In contrast, Chinese companies such as Xiaomi—already a major player in consumer electronics, software, and online services—are not only producing electric vehicles(EV) but selling them at scale. This contrast underscores a broader … Read more

China’s Industrial Ascent: A Wake-Up Call for America

China’s vast STEM and vocational talent, strong industrial policy, and AI-driven manufacturing give it a major edge over the U.S., which faces talent, infrastructure, and coordination gaps. Talent Pool Size and Focus China produces about 3.5 million STEM graduates annually—roughly equal to the total number of graduates across all disciplines in the United States. This … Read more

The Paradox of Financialization Amid Cold War Industrial Needs

This ideological shift replaced the industrial-era maxim “What’s good for GM is good for America” with the credo “What’s good for Wall Street is good for America.” In the context of this transition, the hollowing out of the real economy raises a critical question: how could the U.S. over-financialize while still needing a strong industrial … Read more