Politics

The argument that keeps failing is not the argument about which system is better. It is the assumption, buried inside that argument, that the categories are stable — that capitalism, socialism, mercantilism, feudalism refer to four distinct, mutually exclusive arrangements, and that the story of modern history is one of them winning. They have not been stable for five centuries. What has been stable is something more basic: there is a surplus, and someone claims it. The form the claiming takes has changed. The claiming has not. …

The United States enjoyed a remarkable period of economic prosperity and social stability between the post-World War II era and the early 1980s. During this time, the petite bourgeoisie — the small business owners, independent professionals, and middle-class workers — thrived as the backbone of the American Dream. However, recent decades have seen this group face mounting challenges. Now, the question arises: is the petite bourgeoisie waking up to the economic and political realities that have eroded their former stability? …

In the modern world, China occupies an undeniable space in the global economy. The phrase “Made in China” is stamped on everything from smartphones to sneakers, a symbol of the country’s manufacturing prowess. At the same time, “China” often evokes harsh criticism, with terms like “communist regime” and “authoritarian state” frequently making headlines. This juxtaposition exposes a glaring hypocrisy: the world decries China’s politics but thrives on its economic output. …