Woodrow Wilson Fellow Keynote on China

(Left to Right) Professor Edward Warren, Professor Paul Lambert, Associate Dean of Business Libba Moore, speaker Lee Feigon, freshman Jose Roman (from the Dominican Republic) and freshman Ji-Young Kim (from South Korea)

On March 5th, Lee Feigon, author of CHINA RISING: The Meaning of Tiannamen, gave the keynote address for Nichols Cross Campus Critical Issues Program. In his study of the Communist Party, Feignon has traveled extensively throughout China.

Feigon spoke to M.B.A. students, as well as to Nichols undergraduates who will be touring businesses in China this spring. He contends that China is not, as yet, an economic powerhouse. Although many cities have a modern appearance, this can be superficial in nature.

Feigon notes that there are still vast areas undeveloped and a large, illegal migration from rural areas to cities, squatting in temporary shelters, and trying to find whatever jobs they can get without work permits. While the central government is trying to "clean-up" these areas before the Olympics, there is a real concern that this will be a future source of unrest.

Feignon also discussed other serious issues: tainting of component products in global supply chains, corruption from party official entanglement in local businesses, and a total lack of freedom of the press.