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The State of China, the Party, and Democracy

The country’s future, the CPC, and democracy are at stake in Beijing’s drive for reunification with Taiwan. Now more than ever, sweeping them under the carpet won’t be easy.  In what state is the Chinese state? For centuries, China was not a state like its European counterparts. England, Spain, France, or Germany and the Holy […]

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On the way to Gaza from China

There are deep stirrings beneath the surface of the Hamas vicious slaughter against Israel on October 7. A political victory by Hamas and its sponsors, perhaps an extremist wing in Iran, might frighten almost every Muslim government in the world. Over the past decades, and especially in recent years since the war against ISIS, many […]

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China’s Tightrope with Russia and Israel

China’s present troubles with the US might be rooted in a misperception of what should have been done in the past. What did China do when America struggled in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2004-2005? Rather than helping it in these difficulties, Beijing kept aloof politically and slowed down the economic and political reforms it had […]

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China long term advantages

USA-China Mirrors What will work better between USA and China, short-term economic cycles or long-term systemic assets or baggage? The picture may look not so clear if seen from Beijing. Beijing has just launched a whole array of measures aimed at compensating for lackluster growth at the beginning of the year, and its main thrust […]

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Saudi-Iran in Chinese sauce

Last week’s deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China is a significant success for Beijing, and it could as well change the shape of the Middle East. Still, it’s not clear in which direction it could spin. It may bring benefits to everybody, or it might also increase conflict in the region. The […]

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From Peter the Great to Vladimir the Small?

The mobilization announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 21 is not sure to bring a victory from the battered fields of Ukraine. Still, it declares loudly what a growing number of observers have been saying for months: that the “special operation” against Kyiv has failed and that Moscow has been defeated. Against this […]