In this week's readings, we are looking at what influences state policy and behavior - ideas or interests? Our readings indicate that ideas are quite the powerful motivator in influencing behavior, as ideas are the backbone for many institutions - our legal system and capitalism, just to name a few.
I found the Weber reading to be interesting, but quite difficult to get through due to his cultural imperialism and racism. His constant reiteration that every culture that isn't "Western" is somehow lacking is offensive and incorrect. He repeatedly cites ideas and invention from non-Western regions that became incorporated into Western ideas, yet fails to realize that these things wouldn't be possible without non-Western innovation. Further, I disagree that only Western ideas result in a "successful" state. States have the right to define success on their own terms, and I find it presumptuous and rude of Weber to champion the Western line of thinking as the only correct one.
However, I did agree with his idea that free labor creates a solid middle class, which is essential for economic growth. If Weber were alive today, it would be interesting to see his thoughts on China - a Communist government with a capitalist economy with the fastest-growing and largest middle class in the world. China is a non-Western, non-Protestant, non-"capitalist" (in the strictest sense of the word) country. It would be interesting to see how these ideas would be reconciled.
Good point and observation, Alexandra! Yes, Weber does seem to be a bit into his Western imperialist thoughts in his piece but one may wonder if there is another piece from his contemporary that counters this viewpoint? Great question on China. I think Weber would be confused by the socialist-capitalist model of modern China as with many puzzled Western scholars today. Indeed, China is not following any model set forth by tradition or history. It is embarking on a self-created model based on its own history and experiences. Can you have a centralized government with a free enterprise style market? Deng Xiaoping thought it was possible. As a realist, Deng was blunt about this in his famous saying, "black cat or white cat, whichever catches the mouse, why do we care what color it is?" This is a very realist view of China's governance system. If we can deliver prosperity and stability to the society and people, why would they care if we are socialist or capitalist? People just care if it's working or not working. Interesting thoughts!
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