Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Introduce the shared similarities between the Communist regimes in China and the USSR:
  • Both adopted Marxist-Leninist ideology and one-party systems.
  • Both underwent revolutions (Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 for the USSR, Chinese Revolution and Civil War for China leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949).
  • Both experienced periods of cultural revolutions (Soviet Revolution in the 1920s, China’s Cultural Revolution in 1966).
  • Both had high levels of authoritarianism.
• Mention the central question: Despite these similarities, why did Communism persist in China but collapse in the USSR?

Body

1. Reformist Processes

• China: Under Deng Xiaoping, economic reforms began in the late 1970s, allowing market reforms (privatization, property rights) while maintaining political control through the one-party system. Political reforms were slow and cautious.
  • Fact: Deng Xiaoping’s policies of “Reform and Opening Up” allowed China to modernize economically without altering the Communist Party’s political hold. Source: “China’s Economic Reforms and Development” by L. M. Dallal.
• USSR: Gorbachev’s reforms, including “Glasnost” (political openness) and “Perestroika” (economic restructuring), were more radical. The simultaneous introduction of multi-party elections led to weakening central authority.
  • Fact: Gorbachev’s introduction of the multi-party system and greater freedoms through Glasnost contributed to the eventual disintegration of the USSR. Source: “Gorbachev: His Life and Times” by William Taubman.

2. Economic Models

• China: The Chinese economic model emphasized decentralized industrialization and market-based reforms, while also focusing on agriculture.
  • Fact: China’s focus on decentralization and the mixed-market economy allowed its economy to grow despite maintaining Communist rule. Source: “The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth” by Barry J. Naughton.
• USSR: The Soviet Union adhered to a highly centralized economy that focused on state-run heavy industries. The Cold War drained resources, and inefficiencies plagued the economy.
  • Fact: Soviet economic stagnation and the drain from Cold War competition with the West contributed significantly to the collapse of the USSR. Source: “The Soviet Economy: A Critical Analysis” by Alec Nove.

3. Course Corrections and Leadership Responses

• China: Mao Zedong took corrective actions during the 100 Flowers Campaign (1956-57) and the Great Leap Forward (1958-62). China adjusted policies based on past mistakes, focusing more on agriculture and mixed socialism.
  • Fact: After the failure of the Great Leap Forward, China moved towards more pragmatic economic policies under Deng Xiaoping, avoiding the extreme failures of past policies. Source: “Mao’s China and After” by Maurice Meisner.
• USSR: The Soviet leadership failed to adjust in time to evolving economic conditions, leading to stagnation and eventually a crisis in governance.
  • Fact: Soviet leaders, particularly Brezhnev, failed to recognize the limitations of the Soviet economic model, leading to eventual collapse. Source: “The Soviet System” by Michael Voslensky.

4. National Identity and Support

• China: A more homogeneous society (92% Han Chinese) helped the CCP forge a national identity through Confucianism, which bridged ethnic divides. The CCP was able to garner widespread support due to its inclusivity and strong cultural identity.
  • Fact: The CCP built a strong sense of national unity and pride, especially through the use of Confucian ideals, which contributed to its long-lasting support. Source: “China: A History” by John Keay.
• USSR: The USSR’s multi-ethnic society created tensions. Russians made up only 51% of the population, and the Communist Party’s attempt to create a classless society alienated other ethnic groups.
  • Fact: The Soviet Union’s attempt to impose a single identity over a diverse, multi-ethnic population led to nationalist movements that contributed to its collapse. Source: “The Collapse of the Soviet Union” by David Christian.

5. Repression and Response to Dissent

• China: Deng Xiaoping’s willingness to use force against protests, such as during the Tiananmen Square Incident (1989), helped maintain Communist control and deter significant challenges.
  • Fact: The Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 demonstrated China’s firm stance on maintaining one-party rule and suppressing dissent. Source: “The Tiananmen Papers” by Zhiwu Li.
• USSR: Gorbachev’s more lenient approach to demands for autonomy in Soviet republics weakened central authority and led to the USSR’s eventual collapse.
  • Fact: Gorbachev’s reluctance to use force against pro-independence movements in Eastern Europe and Soviet republics undermined Soviet unity. Source: “Gorbachev and the End of the Soviet Union” by William Taubman.

Conclusion

• Recap how China’s ability to adapt economically while maintaining strict political control enabled its Communist system to survive, while the USSR’s simultaneous political and economic reforms contributed to its disintegration.
• Highlight the unique factors such as leadership responses, national identity, and repression that made Communism persist in China but not in the USSR.

Additional Notes for Writing the Answer:

• Maintain a balanced discussion, acknowledging similarities before focusing on the differences.
• Ensure clarity in comparing the leadership styles of Deng Xiaoping and Mikhail Gorbachev.
• Use relevant examples such as the Tiananmen Square incident and Gorbachev’s reforms to illustrate key points.
• Keep the answer within the prescribed word limit (300 words) by being concise and focused on the most significant factors.