Abstract Does state capacity influence economic performance in China? In this research exercise, I will attempt a casual examination of the role of state capacity in China’s miraculous economic performance. I will specifically examine the Chinese state’s ability to collect taxes. I argue that the Chinese state’s capacity to collect taxes efficiently is a miracle of modern statecraft. It illustrates to us that a strong state capacity in China bequeaths modern economic miracles. Improvements in tax capacity in China have been a part of a deeper process of state capacity building.1 Building tax capacity is linked to the process of economic development and growth in China. This research exercise explores the political conditions that have supported broader changes in state and tax capacity — and how these changes yield a culture of economic growth.

Abstract What should we make of China’s political meritocracy? The basic idea of political meritocracy in China is that high-level officials should be selected and promoted based on ability and virtue. Meritocracy in China is a tradition dating back millennia. Meritocracy was institutionalized in imperial China by means of an…

Abstract Why doesn’t liberal democracy flourish in China? Throughout its history, policy makers and intellectuals in China turned to authoritarian politics to address urgent matters. Authoritarian politics lingers on in the country to this day. In this reading summary/critique, I would like to explore why liberal democracy does not flourish in modern China like it has in Japan and South Korea. I will also explore if it is possible for China to become a vibrant liberal democracy in the future. I will argue that as China becomes more educated, developed, and prosperous, it will slowly turn into a vibrant liberal democracy like its East Asian counterparts: Japan and South Korea.

Abstract What makes the politics of resentment flourish in sub-Sahara Africa? The politics of resentment in sub-Sahara Africa can be defined as resentment and anger towards a system of governance widely viewed as bias, exploitative and repressive. In a politics of resentment, anger manifests as a result of perceived state…

Abstract What qualities and characteristics make a public servant in a western democracy? I explore this question by focusing on political meritocracy in the context of western democracies. Political meritocracy is the view that members of the legislative or judicial branch as well as government bureaucrats must be chosen and…

Abstract What is authoritarian neoliberalism? In this paper, I will conduct a literature review on the connections between neoliberalism and authoritarianism. …

Abstract Since the 1970s, neoliberalism has been animated by welfare reform/reversal, wage erosion, relaxing trade controls, and privatization schemes. Neoliberalism brought about sluggish growth rates, increasing inequality, the 2008 financial crises, and riots as violent forms of resistance against the tyranny of austerity. In this paper, I will argue that…

Abstract What is the post-war development project? How does this project yield power asymmetries? In this paper, I will explore the development project as a hegemonic discourse and practice that is violent, oppressive, and degrading. …

A poem about guest workers. From Singapore to Bangladesh. I am not your slave. I am not your guest. I am not a ball to be thrown around. I am not a barcode to be scanned. I am more than a contract. I am more than a work permit. I…