politics – Meandering leads to perfection

Rent-Seeking

Rent-seeking behavior is when someone makes money by exploiting a system or advantageous position, rather than by creating something of real value. It’s essentially extracting profit from an existing resource without adding productive work. Simple Example Imagine you own a bridge that’s the only way to cross a river. You don’t maintain the bridge orContinue reading “Rent-Seeking”

Manchurisation during Manchus ruling China-Qing

Initial Incorporation into the Eight Banners The Han Eight Banners were officially created between 1637 and 1642, comprising primarily native inhabitants of Liaodong (modern Liaoning) who had surrendered to Nurhaci and his son Hong Taiji. These included former Ming dynasty officers and soldiers who defected, such as: How the Process of “Manchurization” Worked Aspect HowContinue reading “Manchurisation during Manchus ruling China-Qing”

The Xinhai Revolution 辛亥革命(October 1911 – February 1912)

The Xinhai Revolution (October 1911 – February 1912) The revolution began on October 10, 1911, when military forces in Wuchang (Hubei province) staged an armed uprising against Qing rule. What started as a mutiny quickly spread across the country. Within weeks, multiple provinces declared independence from Qing control, effectively dismantling the empire’s administrative authority. TheContinue reading “The Xinhai Revolution 辛亥革命(October 1911 – February 1912)”

Why Britain Couldn’t Maintain its Empire

Britain’s extractive colonial strategy was profitable in the short term but created the conditions for its own collapse. The Short-term Profitability (1757-1900s) Why Extraction Worked Initially Global dominance: Britain’s naval and military superiority meant no other power could challenge its colonial hold. Massive wealth transfer: Britain extracted enormous wealth from India—estimated at trillions of dollarsContinue reading “Why Britain Couldn’t Maintain its Empire”

Hong Kong as a Successful Example of Colonialism

Hong Kong is often cited as a “successful” example of colonialism, but the answer is more complicated than it first appears. Hong Kong transformed from a small fishing village into a major trading hub and manufacturing center under British colonial rule (1841-1997). Positioned between China and the rest of the world, making it a naturalContinue reading “Hong Kong as a Successful Example of Colonialism”

Economic Logic of Colonialism

How colonialism was fundamentally extractive rather than developmental. Britain didn’t want to develop India; it wanted to extract from India. Britain chose extraction because it was more immediately profitable. You might think: “India has cheap labour, so factories should have been built there.” But colonialism isn’t about rational economic efficiency—it’s about power and control. ReducedContinue reading “Economic Logic of Colonialism”

Historical Cost of India’s Independence and British’s Extraction

India’s independence from British rule (1947) involved significant human and material costs across multiple dimensions. Human Cost The struggle for independence resulted in thousands of deaths throughout the independence movement. The most devastating period was around Partition in 1947, when communal violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs erupted. An estimated 200,000 to 2 million peopleContinue reading “Historical Cost of India’s Independence and British’s Extraction”

Taiwan Strait- Taiwan is strategically vital

Taiwan sits in the middle of one of the world’s most important shipping routes. If China controls Taiwan, it would control these shipping lanes and could potentially block or restrict U.S. and allied trade. This makes Taiwan’s independence strategically vital for U.S. economic and military interests. $5 trillion worth of goods pass through the TaiwanContinue reading “Taiwan Strait- Taiwan is strategically vital”

U.S. Military Aid to Israel and Israel’s Arms Producers

The vast majority of U.S. weapons sent to Israel are provided as free grants. The Israeli government does not pay for most of these weapons—American taxpayers do. How U.S. Aid Works Aspect Details Annual commitment $3.8 billion per year through 2028 (including $500 million for missile defense) Total since Oct 2023 $16.3 billion in directContinue reading “U.S. Military Aid to Israel and Israel’s Arms Producers”

The U.S. Allies

Factor Israel Taiwan U.S. diplomatic recognition Fully recognized as a state; U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv Not officially recognized; no U.S. embassy; unofficial relations only Formal alliance Official ally; mutual defense treaty since 1952 De facto ally; no formal treaty; “One China” policy complicates status Aid category Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants (free weapons) ForeignContinue reading “The U.S. Allies”