This is a belated post. I have been busy with a project at work the last couple of weeks... Still, I believe what I have to say is still relevant. It appears that the student protest occupying the Legislative Yuan the last 2-3 weeks is coming to an end. Depending on which media you read, the significance of the protest meant different things. Some think this is just a … [Read more...] about Taiwan’s Student Mob?
Foreign Relations
Errors of Soft Power, a Year-end Review
As 2013 comes to an end, we draw upon some lessons of this past year, particularly in regards to the concept of "soft power", which is discussed often on this forum and in the Western media. … [Read more...] about Errors of Soft Power, a Year-end Review
China “Withholding” Visas From Foreign Journalists. Plenty of Self-Censorship At Home.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/china-withholds-visas-nyt-bloomberg-reporters-21144608 This is apparently a continuation of an old story of how China is "expelling" foreign journalists en masse. However, there are some conflicting details in the story itself. "Withholding" visas means they accepted the applications, but won't issue the the visas. However … [Read more...] about China “Withholding” Visas From Foreign Journalists. Plenty of Self-Censorship At Home.
New Internet Economy Puts Dent In “Boycott China”
I have long maintained that boycotts rarely work well as a tool of political protest. Even when mobilized as a collective national action like a trade embargo, history has not shown much effectiveness in causing political change, other than merely increasing bitterness (like the Embargo against Cuba). Against a much larger target, with even broader scope, such as "boycott … [Read more...] about New Internet Economy Puts Dent In “Boycott China”
A look back at Hillary Clinton’s 2011 “Internet Freedom” speech
Still recall former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speech on "Internet Freedom?" Our first reaction on this blog was that America wanted unfettered access to citizens around the world. From a propaganda perspective, that idea enables the U.S. State Department to bypass foreign governments in reaching their citizens directly. Clinton herself has said the Internet would … [Read more...] about A look back at Hillary Clinton’s 2011 “Internet Freedom” speech