Lunch Talk @Academy: 40 Years of Reform and China’s 'New Era'

Format:

30 Minutes: Input
30 Minutes: Debate 
Followed by Networking

About

In 1978, led by Deng Xiaoping, China embarked on an ambitious program of reforms and opening up what dismantled the Maoist policies that since the 1950s had caused untold damage to the social, political and economic fabric of the country, culminating in the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). In the decades that followed, Deng’s vision brought about a socioeconomic transformation without precedent in human history. Today, 40 years after Deng charted a new path, China’s “fifth generation” leader, Xi Jinping, has amassed a degree of power perhaps not seen since the pre-reform era. Xi claims that China has entered a “new era” of strength and prosperity, in which it must move to center stage in global affairs. This discussion will assess the dramatic changes in China over the past four decades, and will address the key issues and concerns in Chinese society, politics, law and foreign affairs.