Whose reality? The reality of the West, which the Chinese see as a dying societal paradigm? Or the reality of the most recent resurgence of the Chinese Empire, so often defeated and so often resurrected? Even in its worst moments although defeated it was never conquered. However, truly universal idea-systems have always come from the West and then spread outward, from Greece and Rome to the enlightenment and the great English philosophers of liberty. How many in the world outside China read Confucius or Mencius or Lao-Tzu? Multitudes in China may be playing Western classical music, but how many in the non-Chinese world are playing Chinese classical music? And so on.
Norman A. Bailey
Norman A Bailey is the author of numerous books and articles and recipient of several honorary degrees, medals and awards and two orders of knighthood. He also teaches economic statecraft at The Institute of World Politics and has experience on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House, in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and in business, consulting and finance. He is professor emeritus in the National Security Studies Center, University of Haifa, and a columnist... More by Norman A. Bailey