The Profound Changes Unseen in a Century: The Perspective of Overlapping Effect of Technological Revolution Cycle and Political & Economic Thought Cycle

  • 12 23, 2019
  • PDF(Download:)
  • Author:Zhijian Hu, Mingxi Zhang, Xinyue Zhu

  Abstract

  The waves of technological revolution can lead to great differences in the economic and social structures of countries and have a destructive impact. The choice of political and economic thoughts can amplify or inhibit such differentiation and impact. Over the past 100 years, humankind has undergone three technological revolutions, and the mainstream political and economic thoughts have experienced a cycle from classical liberalism to various types of anti-liberalism and finally to neoliberalism. In the two liberal periods, the overlap of liberalism and a technological revolution caused sharp contradictions between the rich and the poor, leading to profound economic adjustment and great political and social turmoil worldwide. In the non-liberal period, however, the overlapping effects were relatively mild. Currently, the world is facing similar trends and risks as during 1914-1940. Whether humankind will repeat the same mistakes merits attention and vigilance. This study argues that it is necessary to oppose unilateralism, uphold multilateralism, and advance globalization and free trade under the concept of collaborative development and shared prosperity, as well as explore comprehensive and sustainable development. These are of great significance for human society to prevent risks, obtain advantages and avoid disadvantages, and maintain world peace and development.

Copyright © Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences
京ICP备05084193-11 Beijing Public Network Security No.: 110402500040
Technical Support : Qingyun Software