America’s Reform May Be Possible By Studying China: Both Countries Have Similar Problems

Liu Zhiqin wrote an article recently urging the United States to open its doors to a dialogue about reform, and it has attracted attention among both domestic and foreign scholars and intellectuals. In this author’s opinion, the current political and economic difficulties faced by the U.S. are responsible for its inability to achieve reform, much like the saying, “The person on the spot is baffled, while the onlooker sees clear.” As for the fate of the United States as a nation, it has reached a critical stage on its current path, and it may benefit from listening to those on the other shore of the ocean.

There are arguments that at this stage, the United States is still not ready for reform. Could it be because America’s uniqueness as a country encourages its arrogance and conceit? In fact, it is famous, this “American exceptionalism” and its promotion of logic driven by self-innovation, without the need to borrow from the minds of the outside world. In short, instead of the United States needing to consider reform, perhaps it is we who have much to consider.

In actuality, there is a certain distance between the narrative of America’s exceptionalism and the real history behind it. Historically, when Americans would look for the force to drive innovation and reform, the driving force was mostly brought on by influence and pressure from the outside world.

For example, in the 20th century, although the United States was ranked among the world’s top industrial powers, progress lagged behind in many areas of social advancement and policy development as compared to Europe. In the United States, the growth of industrial capitalism, monopolies, disregard for labor rights, the deflating level of municipal planning, politicians who create a rift in the system and bring about corruption, as well as insufficient levels of technology and education, have one by one become the target of Europe’s intellectuals and their criticism. It can be said that the United States’ Progressive era and its elite have fallen under criticism from abroad, and the nation has begun to seek out and draw upon the models and lessons of others. Why did so many Americans go study overseas in Germany? Why do so many American undercover reporters have European work and study history? Why do the social-democratic ideas that formed the United States have such strong ties to Western Europe? With regard to these historical problems, we must think deeply and ponder.

One hundred years ago, Americans were as open to reform as a canyon was receptive to echoes; Americans studied the world to learn advanced concepts and their uses. Living in the new century, why can the United States not tolerate the reform spirit? Rather, it finds itself falling into the so-called “End of History” theory. Or is the United States already thinking of entering a period of self-isolation? Indeed, in today’s American society, whether one is in a materialistic or spiritual culture, the development of human society has reached a very high standard. However, there are many ideas, divisions and social problems, and this author is deeply concerned about the future of America and its citizens. It is a giant mockery of the American spirit to hope that the logic of American exceptionalism will allow for thoughts of reform

As for Chinese people actively urging the United States to take reform measures, it is not to prove that China’s method of development is superior. Rational people know that China and its contemporary society, more than ever, need to come up with a positive spirit of reform to deal with many complex issues. We urge Americans to take action, because we are faced with similar difficult problems, and perhaps we can work together. Therefore, from this perspective, reforms may be the key to Sino-American mutual understanding and respect and constitute a new starting point.