In perhaps the most interesting interview of the series, Koppel talks to a young artist who expresses a readiness to trade political freedoms for greater economic prosperity. His ideology of not loving but ultimately and entirely trusting his government makes for fascinating commentary in light of common rural dissent.
“The Fast Lane,” the third part in the series, explores the automobile industry in China. With the Chinese government having designs of expansion in regards to the automobile manufacturing industry, substantial highways and roads are being built all over the country. Koppel notes the unique explosion of “car culture,” drawing lines between the Chinese dependence on bicycles for generations to their brand new love of the car.
With the growth of the Chinese automobile industry, largely as a result of cheaply produced cars that habitually fail safety and emissions standards in the West, there is a wealth of opportunity for American car makers. It also presents noteworthy problems, however, as China looks to occupy the American car market and sell their vehicles in the United States.
The final part of the series, “It’s the Economy, Stupid,” discusses coal as China’s fuel for economic growth. Koppel goes down in one of the safest mines in China, explaining the differences between American and Chinese mine systems and their safety records.
With the government largely apathetic in regards to the plight of the poor, the Chinese peasants find themselves in intriguing situations with developers looking for new, inexpensive land. The rural Chinese have little pull to gather services, like health care or care for the elderly, and wind up struggling to avoid being evacuated at the impulse of a massive foreign development firm.
Finally, Koppel explores how the pro-business attitude of the Chinese government creates inconceivable corruption and has little to do with political freedom. With dishonesty a fact of life, government officials normally take bribes and pay the price for being caught. Those making the bribe offer in the first place often get away scot-free.
The People’s Republic of Capitalism also includes a comprehensive viewer’s guide booklet and an interview with Ted Koppel. In the interview, Koppel highlights his experiences in China over the last 40 years and how things have changed since visits with Richard Nixon and on other assignments.
While the Chinese people long for material comfort and riches, there is a long way to go in terms of creating a totally free society. In spite of this, the doors to international businesses are wide open.
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1 - Nike Kobe IV
China has taken the basics of capitalism and worked them much to their advantage?
communism's politics
capitalist economy