Failed states are great for the Chinese economy

The most interesting thing about the China Effect is how China is winning these global constituencies over with its longer term intent.

[$M.]

Also love Stefan Halpers phrase “China is a capitalist dynamo”, this isn't a “Cold War” it's Zero-K on the Kelvin Scale.

[$M.]

Interesting – yes, it's so cold as to be unnoticed by most. Unfortunately, its the US Government that appears to not be on the list of those aware. Some government policy makers told me, “Most of our leaders our playing checkers, while the Chinese are playing chess and thinking four moves out.” Sounds about right, given what we're seeing.

I think it starts with all of us not just the US government, if that is we have an inside-out rather than outside-in worldview (it is both views that inform each other).

[$M.]

Maybe Chinese capitalists are 4 steps ahead because they are “Clint Eastwood”, the Republicans and Democrats are today's Rojos and Baxters.

[$M.]

My conclusion is that the Chinese government is an example of what special interest would be if it ever became a one party dictatorship.

[$M.]

That's a great analysis of how special interest works, and puts a major connection between the U.S. and China, given that we think of our systems as so different.

I try not to treat viewpoint, analysis or observation as a material thing i.e. something that should be measured twice and cut once, but as a process of refinement until a point of satisfying purity is reached or at least to the point of diminishing return. I do realize the importance of reputation for it is not wise to refine a damaging or a dumb point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed my contributions here and I wish you the best as you both move forward with your strategic practice.

[v.o.M.]

Man, you're really digging into the philosophical side of strategic analysis – constant refinement of perception, reputation versus egolessness, etc! I think this is definitely the advanced course for the professional analyst, a train of thought all too rarely visited.

I remember Socrates who said, “I'm the most famous man in Athens because I'm the only person who understands how little he really knows.” We should all have that kind of self-understanding.

Thanks for that informative view. I utilize the Internet for that same exact purpose as the Socrates quote you elicit. I find it fascinating that the word “emergency” means emergence and nothing can emerge if I hold onto a fixed point of view. Sometimes language blocks this self-understanding, then I can try something else http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsHBq3Xo44c which ensures a state of mind that remains fresh to welcome learning.

[v.o.M.]