The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline

Name: The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline
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4.8 of 5 Stars: Asia - The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline

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Book Synopsis: The long history of China’s relationship between stability, diversity, and prosperity, and how its current leadership threatens this delicate balance. Chinese society has been shaped by the interplay of the EAST—exams, autocracy, stability, and technology—from ancient times through the present. Beginning with the Sui dynasty’s introduction of the civil service exam, known as Keju, in 587 CE—and continuing through the personnel management system used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—Chinese autocracies have developed exceptional tools for homogenizing ideas, norms, and practices. But this uniformity came with a huge downside: stifled creativity.

Yasheng Huang shows how China transitioned from dynamism to extreme stagnation after the Keju was instituted. China’s most prosperous periods, such as during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and under the reformist CCP, occurred when its emphasis on scale (the size of bureaucracy) was balanced with scope (diversity of ideas).

Considering China’s remarkable success over the past half-century, Huang sees signs of danger in the political and economic reversals under Xi Jinping. The CCP has again vaulted conformity above new ideas, reverting to the Keju model that eventually led to technological decline. It is a lesson from China’s own history, Huang argues, that Chinese leaders would be wise to take seriously.

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Unlock the secrets of China's rise and explore the risks that lie ahead with "The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline." This gripping book takes you on a journey through China's history, revealing the powerful interplay between exams, autocracy, stability, and technology that has shaped its society.

Discover how the civil service exam, Keju, introduced by the Sui dynasty in 587 CE, became a cornerstone of Chinese autocracies. This meticulously researched book dives deep into the tools used by Chinese leaders to mold ideas, norms, and practices, leading to stability but stifling creativity. Yasheng Huang masterfully explains how China's transition to extreme stagnation can be traced back to the Keju system, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing conformity over new ideas.

Delve into China's most prosperous periods, like the Tang dynasty and the reformist CCP, when the balance between bureaucracy size and diversity of ideas led to unparalleled success. But beware of the chilling parallels between the past and the present. Huang raises the alarm over recent political and economic reversals under Xi Jinping, signaling a return to the Keju model and a potential decline in technology and innovation.

With "The Rise and Fall of the EAST," you'll gain valuable insights into the lessons that Chinese leaders must heed from their own history. Will they choose to embrace diversity and dynamic thinking, or will they let conformity and stagnation define China's future? Don't miss this thought-provoking book that offers a compelling narrative supported by extensive research. Uncover the risks and possibilities that lie ahead for China. Grab your copy now and discover why the EAST might lead to China's decline.

Get your copy of "The Rise and Fall of the EAST" today and embark on a journey through China's past, present, and future.

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