So another way of stating China’s rapid growth recipe would be something like the following:
Have a succession of crazy autocrats, political chaos, and war savagely repress one of history’s most inventive peoples, along with not allowing one of the most successful trading diasporas in history to operate in China proper. Then have things calm down a bit and have somewhat less crazy rulers allow more of the people’s energy and creativity to burst out. Presto, the change from EXTREME NEGATIVE to LESS NEGATIVE is called a “growth rate,” and it will be high. Now accept worship from around the world.
Have I mentioned before that I rather like Bill Easterly?
Reminds me of the adverts I’ve seen recently boasting about the impressive improvements in Tower Hamlets schools. Easy to achieve impressive growth numbers from a very low base.