DSA Explores Chinese Influence in New Seminar
Members of the Democratic Socialists of America seem to be embracing ideas from Chinese propaganda, suggesting that only through state control of the private sector can workers be shielded from an “oligarchy.”
Amid rising interest in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the DSA hosted a new monthly seminar titled “Modern China and Lessons for American Socialists” on Thursday evening.
The DSA, with Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani at the forefront, has often emphasized that they identify as socialists rather than communists. Socialism aims to reform capitalism, while communism seeks its outright elimination. However, these CCP-themed discussions blur that distinction somewhat.
Anlin Wang, a member of the DSA International Committee, noted that the seminar began as an internal initiative last year. The positive reception prompted them to open it up to the public.
This event, part of DSA’s “Political Education” program, included provocative claims celebrating China’s so-called “strong democracy.”
“This issue is, of course, contentious in the West,” stated Ben Norton, an American Marxist researcher speaking from Beijing. He presented insights from the Democracy Perceptions Index.
“China boasts the highest level of government recognition worldwide. Some might dismiss this as outrageous propaganda… but they have a different understanding of democracy,” he explained, without mentioning the country’s severe restrictions on free speech, which could influence public perception.
Norton went on to suggest that the U.S. should emulate China by taking control of private enterprises, from banks to tech firms, as a means of curbing the wealth of billionaires and benefiting workers.
He claimed that “China is now the largest economy on earth” due to this governmental role, a statement that appears misleading since China’s GDP ranks second after that of the United States.
“Current outputs are incomparable, not solely reliant on private markets,” he argued. He asserted that reducing inequality is the Chinese Communist Party’s primary goal, suggesting that public misconceptions about China run rampant.
Experts on China challenge his assertions, contending that the nation’s economic surge only began after it relaxed tight government control in the late 1970s and incentivized state-owned enterprises. This change followed the devastating consequences of strict policies that led to mass starvation under Mao.
“Embracing market forces is directly responsible for China’s transformation into a modern economy,” argued Jack Burnham, a China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Burnham also noted that China’s economy has faced issues like deflation and stagnation in recent years, attributing these problems to excessive government intervention.
“I would argue that the recent economic downturn is primarily due to the Chinese Communist Party’s overreach, particularly in controlling private businesses and imposing aggressive economic planning,” he commented.
The two-hour virtual session, marred by technical difficulties, extended as Norton addressed approximately 40 queries from eager DSA members wanting to learn more about their counterparts in China.
This isn’t the DSA’s first expressiveness of admiration for the CCP. In September, a DSA delegation, including Wang, journeyed to Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan.
One DSA member remarked on the event, describing it as an impressive gathering showcasing “unity in multipolarity,” which featured leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Modi. “Beijing felt lively,” he added.
