Geopolitics – December 2023- don’t miss it

HaiNan Island, south China Bonus film - 'DIY Wedding Photos', in LiJiang 丽江, a micro movie 浪漫的旅拍婚紗影像 ... Such a lovely couple; best wishes on your life together - it sure will be a lot of fun ... The song is from the 2007 film 'Music and Lyrics', sung by Hugh Grant and Haley Bennett. 如此有趣和美丽 !

With Garland Nixon ...

Bonus film - Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse ...

Filmed in 2007

With Mick Dunford, Michael Hudson and Radhika Desai ... With Wave Media ... With Dialogue Works plus Alex Krainer and Pepe Escobar ... With Stephen Roach ... With Brian Berletic ... With Trip Bitten, on RedNote ... 1. Introduction: The West’s Illusion of Superiority The West has long portrayed itself as the pinnacle of civilization, a beacon of freedom, democracy, and progress. Yet, beneath this self-congratulatory narrative lies a history of exploitation, inequality, and moral decay. From its roots in colonialism and slavery to its modern-day obsession with short-term profits and individualism, the West’s claims to superiority are built on shaky foundations. In contrast, nations like China and many across Asia offer a different vision—one rooted in collective well-being, long-term planning, and a deep respect for cultural heritage. This exploration seeks to uncover the truth behind the West’s facade and highlight the strengths of alternative models. --- 2. The West’s Historical Foundations: Colonialism, Slavery, and Exploitation The West’s rise to global dominance was not achieved through innovation or moral superiority but through the brutal exploitation of others. Colonialism and slavery were not mere historical footnotes—they were the foundation of Western wealth and power. Entire continents were plundered, their resources stolen, and their people subjugated. The transatlantic slave trade, the genocide of indigenous populations, and the exploitation of colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are indelible stains on the West’s conscience. Even today, the West continues to benefit from the structures of inequality established during the colonial era. Global economic systems are still rigged in favor of Western nations, while former colonies are burdened with debt, poverty, and instability. The West’s refusal to confront this history is a testament to its enduring arrogance and hypocrisy. --- 3. The Myth of Democracy and Free Speech: Tools for Regime Change and Hegemony The West’s promotion of “democracy and free speech” is often portrayed as a noble endeavor to spread freedom and human rights. In reality, these ideals have frequently been used as a smokescreen for regime change, economic exploitation, and the maintenance of Western hegemony. Far from empowering people, the West’s version of democracy has often been a backdoor for imposing its will on other nations, destabilizing governments that resist its dominance, and ensuring that the global order remains tilted in its favor. The West’s emphasis on free speech is equally hypocritical. While people are technically free to say what they want, there are significant social and professional consequences for speaking out against the status quo. Dissent is often met with ridicule, ostracism, or even retaliation, particularly when it challenges powerful institutions or entrenched ideologies. --- 4. Poverty as a Tool for Compliance: The West’s Deliberate Inequality Poverty is not an accident or a natural outcome of economic systems—it is a deliberate tool used by the West to maintain compliance and control. By keeping large segments of the population in a state of economic precarity, the West ensures that people are too preoccupied with survival to question the systems that exploit them. Poverty is not just a condition; it is a mechanism of oppression, designed to perpetuate inequality and servitude. The West’s reliance on poverty as a tool of control comes at a tremendous cost—not just for the poor, but for society as a whole. Poverty undermines social cohesion, fuels inequality, and stifles human potential. It is a barrier to progress, a source of suffering, and a stain on the conscience of any society that allows it to persist. --- 5. The Culture of Fear and Conformity: Why the West is Scared to Be Free When visiting the West, one of the most striking observations is the pervasive sense of fear that seems to grip its people. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of standing out—this culture of fear is not an accident but a deliberate outcome of systems designed to keep people compliant, divided, and isolated. In the West, the illusion of freedom masks a reality of constraint, where people are too scared to be themselves, too scared to speak their minds, and too scared to challenge the status quo. This fear of freedom is rooted in the West’s culture of individualism, which isolates people and undermines collective action. In a society where everyone is focused on their own survival and success, there is little room for solidarity or mutual support. People are taught to see themselves as competitors rather than allies, making it difficult to unite against the systems that oppress them. --- 6. The Infantile Culture of the West: Distraction, Instant Gratification, and Ethical Decay The West’s culture is defined by its obsession with instant gratification. From fast food to fast fashion, from social media to sensationalist news, the West prioritizes quick fixes and superficial pleasures over meaningful, lasting fulfillment. This culture of distraction is not just a byproduct of modernity—it is a tool of control. By keeping people focused on trivialities and immediate desires, the West’s elites ensure that the population remains disengaged from the deeper issues that affect their lives. This infantilization is evident in the West’s media and entertainment industries, which prioritize spectacle over substance. Blockbuster movies, reality TV, and viral social media trends dominate the cultural landscape, offering escapism rather than enlightenment. The result is a society that is intellectually and emotionally stunted, unable to grapple with complex issues or think critically about the world around them. --- 7. Short-Term Profits vs. Long-Term Planning: The West’s Unsustainable Model One of the most striking differences between China and the West is their approach to time. China’s governance is defined by its commitment to long-term planning, with a focus on sustainable development, infrastructure, and the well-being of future generations. In contrast, the West is dominated by a culture of short-term profits, where immediate gains are prioritized over long-term stability and progress. This obsession with short-term profits has led to a culture of instability and insecurity. In the West, workers are often treated as disposable, with little job security or access to benefits. Corporations prioritize shareholder returns over the well-being of their employees, leading to a cycle of layoffs, outsourcing, and wage stagnation. The result is a society where people are constantly struggling to keep up, with little hope for a stable or prosperous future. --- 8. China’s Alternative: A Civilization Rooted in Harmony, Collective Well-Being, and Progress In contrast to the West’s infantile culture, China represents a mature and grounded civilization, rooted in thousands of years of cultural heritage and philosophical wisdom. China’s approach to governance and society is defined by its commitment to harmony, collective well-being, and long-term thinking. This is not just a matter of policy—it is a reflection of a deep cultural understanding of what it means to build a just and equitable society. China’s emphasis on education, moral values, and social responsibility fosters a culture of maturity and depth. Rather than being distracted by superficial pleasures, the Chinese people are encouraged to contribute to the collective good and to think critically about the future. This sense of purpose and responsibility stands in stark contrast to the West’s culture of distraction and instant gratification. --- 9. Asia’s Distinct Friendliness and Helpfulness: A Culture of Community and Respect In contrast to the West’s ethical decline, many Asian cultures are characterized by a distinct sense of friendliness, helpfulness, and community. This is not just a superficial difference but a reflection of deeper cultural values that prioritize harmony, respect, and collective well-being. For visitors to Asia, this warmth and generosity are often immediately apparent, creating a stark contrast with the individualism and alienation often experienced in the West. This sense of harmony is evident in everyday interactions. In many Asian countries, people go out of their way to assist strangers, whether by giving directions, offering a seat on public transport, or simply sharing a smile. This friendliness is not just a matter of politeness but a reflection of a deeper cultural commitment to creating a positive and supportive social environment. --- 10. Conclusion: A Choice Between Two Paths The West’s ethical decline and Asia’s distinct friendliness and helpfulness represent two very different approaches to society and culture. The West’s focus on individualism, profit, and power has led to a culture of alienation and moral decay, while Asia’s emphasis on harmony, community, and mutual support has created a culture of warmth and resilience. The choice between these two paths is not just a matter of cultural preference but a question of values. The West’s ethical decline is a reminder of the dangers of prioritizing power and profit over people, while Asia’s friendliness and helpfulness offer a vision of a more just and equitable world. In this new era, it is clear that the West has much to learn from Asia’s example—not just about how to treat others, but about how to build a society that truly values harmony, respect, and collective well-being. Quality of life FOR ALL is what we need.

SuZhou lies in JiangSu province, just west from ShangHai Municipality, between the ebb of the YangTse river and TaiHu lake. SuZhou has a history of over 2,500 years. The city's canals, bridges, pagodas, and gardens have contributed to its standing as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The 'classical gardens of SuZhou' were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000. SuZhou is sometimes referred to as the 'Venice of the East'.

This film focuses on the three main structures, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests ...

With See World ... The landscape around GuiLin and the Li River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring unique karst formations, lush greenery, and picturesque waterways. This area, often celebrated in Chinese art and poetry, offers some of the most iconic scenery in China. Here are the key highlights of this beautiful region: ### Karst Mountains 1. **Unique Karst Topography**: The landscape is dominated by karst mountains, which are characterized by their steep, rugged limestone peaks. These formations were created by millions of years of erosion, resulting in a landscape that appears almost otherworldly. 2. **Famous Peaks**: Notable peaks include Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking water, and Fubo Hill, which offers panoramic views of Guilin city and the surrounding countryside. ### The Li River 3. **Li River Cruise**: The Li River (LiJiang) is famed for its breathtaking scenery. A popular activity is taking a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise passes by some of the most picturesque landscapes, including towering karst peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. 4. **Scenic Highlights**: Key scenic spots along the river include the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, which resembles a mural of nine horses, and the Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal, which is famously depicted on the 20 yuan banknote. ### YangShuo 5. **Yangshuo Town**: Yangshuo, a small town located at the end of the Li River cruise, is surrounded by karst mountains and is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and hiking. 6. **West Street**: Known as the oldest street in Yangshuo, West Street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. ### Outdoor Activities 7. **Cycling and Hiking**: The countryside around Guilin and Yangshuo is ideal for cycling and hiking. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty up close by biking through rice paddies, along the river, and into the mountains. 8. **Rock Climbing**: The karst formations provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Yangshuo has become a hotspot for climbers from around the world. ### Rivers and Caves 9. **Yulong River**: A tributary of the Li River, the Yulong River is less crowded and offers serene, beautiful views. Rafting on bamboo rafts is a popular way to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. 10. **Caves**: The region is home to numerous caves, such as Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights. ### Cultural Heritage 11. **Traditional Villages**: Alongside the natural beauty, the area is dotted with traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture, architecture, and way of life. 12. **Impression Sanjie Liu**: An outdoor night show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of the Li River and the karst mountains. It features traditional songs and dances performed by local villagers and fishermen. ### Eco-Tourism 13. **Sustainability Efforts**: There is a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region while providing meaningful experiences for visitors. ### Conclusion The landscape around Guilin and the Li River is a masterpiece of nature, with its dramatic karst mountains, verdant valleys, and clear waters. This region offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in China. Whether cruising down the Li River, exploring caves, or cycling through the countryside, visitors are sure to be captivated by the serene and majestic beauty of Guilin and its surroundings.

The capital of ShaanXi province in central China ...