Eric X. Li: A tale of two political systems

Eric Li discusses the evolution of societal meta-narratives, focusing on China's rise as a global power. He contrasts Western democratic ideals with China's one-party system, highlighting adaptability, meritocracy, and legitimacy as key features. Li argues that China's model offers an alternative to Western political systems, emphasizing the importance of plurality over universalism. He concludes with a call for recognizing diverse governance models and addresses questions about China's civil society and political responsiveness.

What was the grand narrative Eric Li was taught in his youth?

• All societies will eventually become feudal.

• All societies will eventually become capitalist.

• All societies will eventually become democratic.

• All societies will eventually become communist.

What is the central claim of the new narrative that emerged in the West?

• All societies must adopt feudalism.

• All societies must adopt electoral democracy.

• All societies must adopt communism.

• All societies must adopt socialism.

According to Eric Li, what are the three defining characteristics of China's one-party system?

• Corruption, inefficiency, and oppression

• Adaptability, meritocracy, and legitimacy

• Rigidity, secrecy, and illegitimacy

• Democracy, transparency, and freedom

What role does the Party's Organization Department play in China's political system?

• It manages the country's economy.

• It functions as a human resource engine for officials.

• It enforces strict censorship.

• It organizes public protests.

How does Eric Li describe the legitimacy of China's political system?

• Based on military power

• Based on elections

• Based on international approval

• Based on competency

What is one of the major challenges China faces according to Eric Li?

• Lack of natural resources

• Overpopulation

• Corruption

• Lack of economic growth

What prediction does Eric Li make about China's economy in the next 10 years?

• It will become the largest economy in the world.

• It will decline significantly.

• It will remain stagnant.

• It will become the third-largest economy.

What does Eric Li suggest about the universality of political systems?

• Only communism is a valid system.

• Only democracy is a valid system.

• Only socialism is a valid system.

• Multiple political systems can coexist.

What does Eric Li say about the Western elites' approach to democracy?

• They are indifferent to political systems.

• They reject democracy entirely.

• They make universal claims about democracy.

• They are humble about their political system.

What does Eric Li propose should replace the era of meta-narratives?

• Universality

• Plurality

• Isolationism

• Monoculture