Free Essay On China And Korea

1. Using North Korea and China as examples, why do some leaders construct a personality cult around their rule? What is the downside of the personality cults in government?
Personality cult is a term used to refer to the accumulation of all power in one leader within an autocratic state and the near veneration of the leader in government propaganda. With this cult, the leader in power is launded for being courageous, possessing immense wisdom and other extraordinary features. Various historical leaders across the globe have established a personality cult for themselves. Examples of these leaders are Mao Zedong of China who made the Chinese revere the communist government. Similarly, the Kim family in North Korea has managed to establish their own personality which was inherited from Kim II-sung. Leaders always seek to establish a personality cult around their rule basically to exert control over the population. They do this by ensuring that the ruled are able to think in a similar manner, hence meeting little controversies. Consequently, this makes it possible for the leaders to maintain their reign in power since they face no criticisms. However, the personality cult has various downsides in government. This cult does not promote transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law in government. Additionally, it encourages the misappropriation of government resources.
2. Mao was first a revolutionary and then a nation builder. How did the first affect his success as the second?
Mao Zedong remains an outstanding revolutionary leader in the Chinese history. As a revolutionary leader, Mao’s greatest goal was to replace the political order that existed in china. He managed to do this by founding a fresh political order based on the communist ideologies. This was a stepping stone for Mao to propagate nation building in China. Through the revolution in China, Mao was able to gain control of both political and economic resources in the country as well as gather populace support, which was vital in the nation building process.
3. How did the red vs. expert debate hurt China? Which is better Red or Expert and why?
The red versus expert debate in china refers to the tension that came with the revolution in culture in the country. The tension was between intellectuals and scientists (experts) and the ideologies proposed by the doctrine of Mao (Reds). Scientists were exposed to massive mistreatment in the quest to replace their views with Mao’s doctrine. This caused a lot of harm to China. Notably, science and technological innovations were largely affected, causing methodical research to stop in the country. The expert is however better than the red since it provides a basis for development to be initiated in a country through research.
4. How did people cope with the Cultural Revolution? (If you wanted to survive, what would you need to do?)
Cultural Revolution can be termed as a time of transition of china from the capitalist ideologies to communism. The revolution came with the introduction of fresh ideas of operation in China. In order to cope with this new way of life, people in China had to reconsider their deeds in the country. Notably, the only way to survive was living up to the new doctrines of Mao that had been introduced to china. Additionally, one had to openly profess his or her allegiance to Mao’s government.
5. Why did an economic pragmatist like Deng Xiaoping order the attack on the students in Tiananmen Square?
The attack of students in Tiananmen Square was a reaction to the extensive protest that had dominated China in 1989. These protests followed the death of Hu Yaobang who was perceived to advocate for democracy in China. Some economic proponents like Deng Xiaoping were however not pleased with the action. This is because they were strong advocates of communism in China and could not tolerate a democracy. Deng for instance, perceived the protest as an intimidation to his regime and the firmness of communism in the People’s Republic of China.
6. What was the impact? (Both long and short term) of the Korean War on Japan, China, the US, and North and South Korea?
The Korean War commenced in form of a civil war amid South Korea and North Korea. Later, the small conflict turned out to be international. The United States engaged itself in support of South Korea. On the other hand, North Korea gained the support of China and the Soviet Union. The war had adverse short term impacts on all the involved countries. Initially, the economies and infrastructural developments of both North and South Korea were adversely affected. Additionally, the war posed a lot of security risks to Japan and created enmity between U.S and China. Remarkably, the war had more serious long term impacts. It enabled the US to attain its wider goals like upholding NATO interests and protecting Japan. Additionally, the war promoted the U.S Cold war strategies of repression and militarization hence expanding its defense borders in Asia.
7. Why do the South Koreans have ambivalent feelings toward Park Chung Hee? What is your opinion?
South Koreans have mixed feelings toward the former president Park Chung Hee. This is because some people feel Park was a leader that oversaw South Korea to economic transformation in terms of development. Park’s reign was marked by growth in per capita income, increased industrialization and great improvements in living standards. Conversely, the leader is condemned for being tyrannical and brutal by other people in the country.
8. What were the costs of South Korea's economic miracle of the 1960s-1980s on the personal level of the members of the middle class?
The economic miracle in South Korea was brought about by dissimilar factors including a trend of equity in growth. With this policy, the members of the middle class have come to be adversely affected. Consequently, the upper and lower class members have both come grow at the cost of the middle class. Following this, the incomes earned by the middle class members in South Korea have been largely reduced.