Understanding China's Influence and Economic Development

The speaker reflects on their academic journey, starting with studying Chinese language and Asian studies during the Vietnam War era. They discuss the initial Western fascination with China's closed society and the perceived benefits of Chinese communism. Over time, the speaker gains a more nuanced understanding of China's complex history, particularly during the Mao period. A transformative experience living in Taiwan in the mid-1970s provides firsthand insights into globalization and economic growth, influencing their later studies in economics. The speaker emphasizes the practical lessons learned from Taiwan's development strategies over theoretical economic debates.

What was a significant global event that influenced the speaker's college studies?

• The Korean War

• The Vietnam War

• The Cold War

• The Gulf War

What aspect of Chinese communism initially attracted Western academics?

• Economic prosperity

• Increased literacy and low crime

• Lack of education

• High levels of crime

What realization did the speaker have about the Mao period in China?

• It was a peaceful era

• It was largely misunderstood

• There were many terrible events

• It was a time of great prosperity

Where did the speaker live that profoundly affected their views on economic development?

• Hong Kong

• Taiwan

• South Korea

• Japan

What strategy did Taiwan adopt that contributed to its rapid growth?

• Isolationism

• Import substitution

• Agricultural focus

• Export-oriented strategy

What type of family did the speaker live with in Taiwan?

• A farming family

• A family of intellectuals

• A military family

• A political family

What industry did the speaker's American friend observe in Taiwan?

• Automobile

• Technology

• Agriculture

• Textile

How did the speaker's experiences in Taiwan influence their later studies?

• They were skeptical of globalization

• They ignored economic theories

• They focused on art history

• They were influenced by practical observations

What was the speaker's initial approach to economic development debates?

• From a theoretical perspective

• From a historical perspective

• From the manufacturers' perspective in Taiwan

• From a political perspective

What did the speaker find more convincing than economic theories?

• Political ideologies

• Cultural studies

• Historical events

• Practical experiences in Taiwan