China and the new maoists

A fascinating topic!

The "New Maoists" refer to a group of Chinese intellectuals and activists who have been influenced by the ideas of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. While they do not necessarily advocate for a return to Mao's authoritarian rule or the Cultural Revolution, they draw inspiration from his ideas on socialism, communism, and the role of the state in promoting social and economic equality.

The New Maoists emerged in the 1990s and 2000s, as China's economic reforms and globalization led to growing income inequality, social unrest, and a sense of disillusionment among some Chinese citizens. They are often associated with the "New Left" movement in China, which seeks to re-evaluate the country's economic and social policies in light of its rapid development.

Some key characteristics of the New Maoists include:

1. Critique of neoliberalism: They argue that China's economic reforms have led to the erosion of social welfare, the widening of income inequality, and the exploitation of workers.
2. Emphasis on social justice: They advocate for greater social equality, workers' rights, and the protection of vulnerable groups, such as peasants, migrant workers, and women.
3. Support for state intervention: They believe that the state has a crucial role to play in promoting social and economic development, and that market forces alone are insufficient to address social and economic inequalities.
4. Interest in Mao's ideas: They draw inspiration from Mao's writings on socialism, communism, and the role of the state, as well as his emphasis on the importance of class struggle and the need for a strong, centralized state.

Some notable New Maoist thinkers and activists in China include:

1. Wang Hui (): A prominent intellectual and historian who has written extensively on the history of Chinese socialism and the need for a new, more equitable economic system.
2. Cui Zhiyuan (): A economist and activist who has advocated for greater state intervention in the economy and the protection of workers' rights.
3. Li Minqi (): A sociologist and activist who has written about the need for a more equitable and sustainable economic system, and has been involved in various social movements and protests.
4. Wang Shaoguang (): A economist and activist who has argued that China's economic reforms have led to the erosion of social welfare and the widening of income inequality.

The New Maoists have been influential in shaping public debate and policy discussions in China, particularly among intellectuals and activists. While they do not necessarily represent a majority view, they have helped to create a more diverse and nuanced public discourse on issues related to socialism, communism, and economic development in China.