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This essay describes the rapid economic development of the People’s Republic of China. She begins by introducing the post-World War II rule of Mao Zedong, which included significant economic gains but also massive famine and political chaos. Soon after Mao’s death in 1976, Deng Xiaoping led a period of rapid growth under what he termed “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” In the four decades that followed, in spite of growing inequality, environmental degradation, and political oppression, China has emerged as a leading economic power and raised millions out of poverty. What were some of the important developments in the economy of the People’s Republic of China in the years shortly after its 1949 founding? What led to the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution and what were some of the results? What were some of the important aspects of the post-Mao policies under Deng Xiaoping? Alongside the increasing national wealth of the People’s Republic of China that Elshaikh outlines, what are some of the downsides of this economic growth? Can you connect aspects of China’s rise to the requirements of “neoliberal” policies that Elshaikh introduces in her essay on “International Institutions”? When we consider the “rise of China,” what parts of the story might be lost when we only look at economic growth? Elshaikh hints at these when she mentions growing inequality, environmental degradation, the persecution of minorities in China, and other factors. What happens when we tell the story of post-Mao China without mention of the 1989 protests and crackdown in Tiananmen Square, or 2019 events in Hong Kong? In terms of the “communities” frame narrative, how important do you think it is to a country’s sense of community to be wealthy and powerful on the world stage? How might increasing national wealth like that of the People’s Republic of China in recent decades change the ways people within the country view themselves and their national bonds? Deng Xiaoping referred to post-Mao reforms as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Based on the evidence in this reading, is this just capitalism under one-party rule? Why or why not?