Mekong and the dams: For Whom the Bell Tolls

Would they dam this beautiful river? (picture credit: the Economist) In a remote mountainous area in Laos, an ongoing dam project would be a new source of discord among Southeast Asian countries over sustainable development. The US 3.5 billion worth Xayaburi Dam is believed to bring prosperity for Laos and electricity for Thailand, yet get … Continue reading Mekong and the dams: For Whom the Bell Tolls →

Marx and his legacy (part 3): The myth of Marxist strong states

Marxism should not be an excuse for authoritarian states The rise and fall of Soviet bloc in 20th century, and the emerging authoritarian one-party rules in some Asian countries in early 21st century are usually linked to Marxist idea of “the dictatorship of proletariat.” As China claims to follow Marxism and Maoist thoughts, Vietnam claims … Continue reading Marx and his legacy (part 3): The myth of Marxist strong states →

Vietnam’s Land Rights: Ideologically Torn

The communist state is hesitant to break its rooted ideological pillar. To pursue economic development and ensure social stability, however, there is not much choice left. In early this April, international media turned their eyes on a trial against a farmer and his family in Hai Phong, a port city in the North Vietnam. The … Continue reading Vietnam’s Land Rights: Ideologically Torn →

Marx and his legacy (part 2): the Proletarian Question

“The worldview of the Party imposed itself most successfully on people incapable of understanding it.” (George Orwell, 1984). Who moves the history forward? Marx’s historical materialism has so far argued well how inevitable a flawed system should be replaced by a more progressive one. Just as feudalism gave way for capitalism, capitalism will in the … Continue reading Marx and his legacy (part 2): the Proletarian Question →

Marx and his legacy (part 1): Communist society and human nature

My personal sketches on Karl Marx and his thought People have been talking, discussing, disgusting, idolizing, criticizing and a lot of other “-ings” about Karl Marx since 19th century. Since a whole lifetime might be not enough to “scientifically” understand this terrific figure, and I have only a lifetime, I choose to approach him by … Continue reading Marx and his legacy (part 1): Communist society and human nature →