World Civilizations Communismin the World Today

Communism in the world today Cuba ● 1961, United States and Cuba sever diplomatic relations ○ US establishes economic sanctions and travel restrictions ○ Cuba became isolated, poverty rates grew ● 2000, Cubans protests the US oil embargo ● Since end of the Cold War, influx in American tourists ○ 2014, travel restrictions become lenient ○ 2016, first US commercial flight to Cuba ● 2015, US reopens its embassy in Cuba ● Cuba undergoes an economic reform ○ Self-employment allowed ○ Increase in private sector jobs ● Increase in internet access ○ Government creates Wi-Fi hotspots (parks, hotels, internet cafes) ○ Closely monitored internet access ● Political opposition in Cuba remains suppressed ● Property cannot be bought or sold ● Government controls all exports China ● Xi Jinping inherited Chairman Mao Zedong power ● Xi consolidated his authority ○ Assumed power over every office ■ Xi increases titles and expands his control ■ From state security to foreign affairs to political parties ○ Zero-tolerance policy against corruption ■ Punishes party members and successors over “corruption” ■ Divides potential political opponents ● Rapid industrialization and international trade to combat high debts ● One Belt, One Road Initiative ○ $1 trillion infrastructure project Vietnam ● Stifles all forms of political opposition, no tolerance for criticism ● Vietnam embraces market economy and foreign investment ○ US, India, Russia, and France look to reinforce business ties ○ Vietnam has potential to be a valuable business partner ● Collaborations between Vietnam and France ○ Regarding fields of education, scientific, and economic research ○ The Vietnamese get educated in France, then return to Vietnam ● Late 80s, Doi Moi Policy ○ Business related “renovations” ○ Growth rate of 7% and doubling of the middle class (in size) ○ Pro-market capitalism ● Since Cold War: ○ Market-led capitalist reforms ○ Downsized its military ○ Improved relations with the US ○ Opened itself to the world ○ ^all successful policies ● American business and companies move to Vietnam ○ Increase jobs and employment throughout nation ○ Rise of annual income ● Growing youth populations → more jobs and employment training ○ Government promoted industry training programs ○ Local expertise and business are sought for, rather than foreign companies ○ Open internet help the youth and education ● Easy internet access and free browsing ○ Many working in the computer and coding sectors ○ Stable infrastructure and accessibility North Korea ● Authoritarian regime, “least democratic” ○ Totalitarian state run by dictators ○ Kim Il-sung is cultural supreme leader ■ Named as “eternal leader” following his death ○ Grandson, Kim Jong-un is current leader ○ Cult of personality ● Government is divided into three branches: ○ Legislative - supreme people’s assembly (SPA) ■ SPA acts as a check and balance ■ Entirely occupied by Workers Party of Korea ● Only party allowed by constitution ● Other parties are controlled by the Workers Party ■ SPA cannot vote negatively, fearing execution ○ Executive - controlled by current “supreme leader” ■ In control of military ○ Judicial - supreme court ■ Secretive trials, disregard for human rights ■ SPA selected judges ■ Voters can vote against judges, however risk execution ● Failing economy, trade loss from Soviet collapse ● Since Cold War: ○ Adoption of isolationism ○ Self-reliant economic policies ○ Pursued nuclear weapons program ○ Confrontational approach to US ○ ^all unsuccessful policies ● Drop of North Korean annual income ● “New strategic line” to prioritize economic development ○ Improve international and foreign relations ○ Establishment of special economic zones ● Inspiration from Vietnam ○ Considers Doi Moi reforms ○ Similarities between Vietnam and North Korea ■ Same issues following the Cold War, different approaches ■ North Korean attempts unsuccessful, Vietnamese prosperous ○ North Korea ready to “Vietnamize” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------