Part 8/13:
The concern extends globally: as China exports censorship tools and surveillance technologies, the risk of a “digital totalitarianism” increases. The speaker emphasizes that this is not merely an economic or political issue but a profound threat to individual liberty worldwide.
The Rise of Authoritarianism and the Long Game
The conversation reflects a sobering observation: China’s long-term strategy aims to create a modern, controlled society where economic growth is aligned with political stability. “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” combines market reforms with a top-down control system that demands sacrifices from its citizens in exchange for prosperity.