Globalisation and its Challenges with Special Reference to China

S. H. HENG (University of South Australia, Michael.Heng@unisa.edu.au)

Abstract


The main approach of this study of globalisation is historical. We look at three periods in world history when the most promising and enduring civilisation was overtaken by the less promising one. A simple model is proposed to make sense out of the tremendous shift. Subsequently we use the findings to see if they can provide some insights into understanding the challenges posed by globalisation to the People's Republic of China. It is suggested that the most pressing task is to strengthen the state to cope with the new challenges. State strength is not the same as authoritarianism. Concretely, the task is to nurture a stratum of senior civil servants dedicated to the interests of the state; they must be selected on the basis of competence and integrity. They are to form the crucial instrument in political stability, social harmony and national cohesion. The on-going economic modernisation in Asia represents an opportunity for full social development, to encompass spirituality, cultural advancement, civil society and material progress.

Key words: bureaucracy, globalisation, China, state building, development

ABSTRAK

Pendekatan sejarah digunakan sebagai pendekatan utama dalam penulisan mengenai globalisasi ini. Kita meneliti tiga zaman dalam sejarah dunia di mana peradaban yang paling berpotensi dan mempunyai daya tahan telah dapat diatasi oleh peradaban yang kurang berpotensi. Satu model yang sederhana diutarakan untuk menganalisis perubahan yang besar ini. Seterusnya, kita menggunakan penemuan-penemuan itu untuk melihat apakah ia dapat memberikan idea-idea tertentu bagi memahami cabaran globalisasi ke atas Republik Rakyat China. Disarankan bahawa salah satu tugas paling mendesak ialah memperkukuh negara untuk menangani cabaran-cabaran baru ini. Kekuatan negara tidak sama artinya dengan autoritarianisme. Secara khusus tugasnya ialah membangun satu lapisan pegawai awam yang kanan yang penuh dedikasi terhadap kepentingan negara; mereka harus dilantik berdasarkan kecekapan dan integriti. Mereka harus membentuk instrumen yang perlu bagi kestabilan politik, keharmonian sosial dan kesepaduan nasional. Pemodenan yang berlangsung di Asia merupakan satu peluang bagi memenuhi pembangunan sosial, yang meliputi dimensi kespiritualan, kemajuan budaya, masyarakat sivil dan kemajuan material.

Kata kunci: birokrasi, globalisasi, China, pembinaan negara, pembangunan


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