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Capitalism Triumphs in Asia

Bhuwan Thapaliya - 12/20/2006

Karl Marx, the 19th century German political philosopher, predicted that the advanced capitalist societies would together progress toward communism. But the great man, had he been alive today, would have to his utmost dismay, seen the trend going just the opposite way instead.

Nonetheless, he had a point. Communism in Asia was widespread in the 1970’s under the Soviet Union’s red umbrella, which pumped money into regimes though out the region but today, communist doctrine in Asia is by and large in its death throes at least in terms of ownership of property and government control of business activity.

Only North Korea is sticking to its command economy. Though so- called communist and socialist parties still dominate politics in China , Vietnam , Laos and more recently in Nepal ; all are liberalizing their economics to varying degrees. For a glimpse ahead, consider China . When socialist China finally joined East Asia ’s capitalist countries in a sustainable drive for prosperity, the results were breathtaking. What happened thereafter to Chinese economy is now apparent all over the world.

Its trade with Asia and with the rest of the world ballooned and it zoomed in to complement its rival Japan . And more importantly, in China itself, the nation’s economic success buried Maoism and gave its people a standard of living and a degree of personal liberty they had never known or felt before.

But nonetheless, China ’s astonishing resurgence was driven by the imperious will and bold vision of one heretical communist: Deng Xiaoping. Twenty eight years ago, he turned Mao Zedong’s obsession with political ideology on its head by insisting that economic performance be the measure of all things. He moved his country away from central planning and gave market forces increasing play.

When China ’s paramount leader Deng Xiaoping famously said “to get rich is glorious,” he wasn’t talking about the rise of a new ruling class. Though his socialist heart would probably rebel at the notion, he was really calling for the creation of jobs, improved manufacturing capabilities, and increasing exports to ignite and power China ’s economic boom.

The movement of millions from countryside to city, and thousands more to overseas has made the traditional communism an increasingly quaint rarity in progressive world set to equilibrium by the laws of supply and demand. But there are more formidable, if less fundamental, challenges resulting from capitalism. Even so it is much better than the evils of communism. Economic reform, free media and the spread of urban lifestyle are creating a global consciousness.

Meanwhile, amidst this all, considering the failures of democracy all over the world, we are compelled to ask, “Will capitalism last?” The liberated kind failed in the face of economic distress and social unrest, which triggered an authoritarian backlash. Today most Asian democracies are prosperous and stable. But social inequality, corruption, downright oppression and the denial of basic liberties are still rampant in most of the nations. And meanwhile, in South Asia , communal strife, widespread poverty and mob politics pose threats to freedom.

Most of these nations also had a hard time making democracy work. Though the capitalist west is getting impatient, the Asian way to democracy suggests that the economic tide will in time sweep away the hardliners or converts them into democrats, if not toward Capitalism. You can measure that with economic data. The capitalist development model gaining admiration if not emulation is a classic example of the shift.

Moreover, what remains for communism are the memories of their halcyon days. But we must admit that communism has been a deteriorating force in Asia and they have been less successful at goals such as promoting rapid economic growths, changes in government economic policy to facilitate markets, or promotion of democratic government. Considering these details, we are compelled to ask, “How should communism act at the global stage?” It would be unwise to struggle for supremacy with the capitalists. As Asia ’s own rise has shown, it has more to gain from capitalism.

Asia must not be a new hegemony but a catalyst for global growth. Communism must search for a new spirit of partnership and shared destiny with the capitalists. This will make a difference. Yesterday’s enemies must become today’s partners. Communism would have much to lose by not being a partner with capitalists. Are the followers of Karl Marx’s listening? But the way forward is politically difficult as communism and capitalism are miles apart in their ideologies – so close but yet so far.