China’s smart authoritarianism: How CCP balances control and innovation

Jennifer Lind/Foreign Affairs: The United States cannot simply expect that China and its authoritarian regime will follow the Soviets into history’s dustbin. Indeed, contrary to Western hubris, smart authoritarians have shown themselves to be adaptable and competent. To meet the challenge of an innovative China, then, the United States must lean into the strengths that have made it a technological powerhouse: world-class educational institutions (and the overseas talent they attract), well-regulated and deep financial markets, global financial leadership, a robust culture of entrepreneurship, a vibrant civil society, and a unique position at the center of innovation networks in both Europe and Asia. China has shown that, through adaptation, authoritarian regimes can innovate effectively and compete with democracies. How well the United States deals with the rise of smart authoritarianism depends on whether it can adapt, too…