Published Books
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China, a civilization with a rich history dating back to 2000 B.C., has endured numerous regime changes while maintaining cultural and economic resilience. From pioneering global trade through the Silk Road to emerging as leaders in contemporary technology and innovation, certain qualities seem ingrained in Chinese identity. By employing frameworks such as the Hofstede Cultural Dimension Theory, we can quantify China's cultural essence, providing a lens through which to analyze its historical trajectory. This understanding of China's history and an appreciation for cultural distinctions from the Western perspective lays the groundwork for more effective diplomatic engagement.
Utilizing diverse sources, including esteemed sinologists' books, historical documents, and contemporary media, we explore positive correlations between governance systems employed in various dynasties and those prevalent in the current government structure in this analysis. Beyond governance, the examination delves into China's economic policies, highlighting how historical models, such as those from the Han or Qing dynasties, have influenced contemporary economic practices. Moreover, the role of Confucianism and other philosophical traditions in shaping Chinese values and social structures is explored, shedding light on their enduring impact.
The Little Red Book aims to address the fundamental question: "Why is China the way it is economically and politically." This inquiry delves into the enduring threads connecting China's past with its present, offering insights crucial for navigating diplomatic relations with this enduring and influential civilization. Through considering historical, cultural, and economic perspectives, this analysis provides a comprehensive view of China's development and its implications for the global stage.
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The Ming Dynasty is about to take its last breath. Many have lost faith in the Great Ming because of external economic woes, the Little Ice Age, a plague, peasant rebels led by a charismatic warlord, and a foreign nomadic force invading the land. However, a young man named Liang Shiyi joins the Jinyiwei, Embroidered Uniform Guard to do his part to save it. Paired with the skillful operator He Fei and the brash giant Wang Yong, Liang Shiyi has the resources he needs to make an impact and become a hero. Yet, the true nature of the Jinyiwei is malevolent. They have terrorized China for years, overruling judicial proceedings and fabricating crimes to indict unruly dissenters. How will this bright-eyed and patriotic youth deal with the reality of being part of an organization seen as villainous by many? Will Liang Shiyi uphold his innate moral compass that suits a hero, or will he be corrupted and become complicit in the tyranny of the Jinyiwei? Furthermore, will he be able to balance that internal conflict with dealing with the threats and conspiracies that face the Great Ming?
The Last Jinyiwei is written in a found journal format; Liang Shiyi takes you back in time and allows you to see the fall of the Ming Dynasty through the eyes of a Jinyiwei. Throughout his journey, he meets fictional characters like the beautiful sister of He Fei, a scheming eunuch, and the prejudiced Chief Supervisor of the Jinyiwei while also making connections with actual historical figures like Zu Dashou, Wu Sangui, and the Chongzhen Emperor.
The Last Jinyiwei is Book 1 of the Memories of the Ming series, covering the years 1639-1644 of the Ming-Qing Transition (1618-1683)
Research Papers
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Cultural Economics as a whole, is a rather unexplored field in relation to other more developed divisions of economics. The commonly used definition of Cultural Economics is a subdivision of economics that analyzes the relationship between culture and its effects on economic outcomes (Audiopedia 2017). The nature of economics is a quantitative one, but cultural economics is unique in that it allows qualitative and quantitative data to work hand in hand. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data are used. The qualitative sources include data on the observation of Chinese cultural values and the pictures painted by historical texts. The quantitative data is used to represent traditional macroeconomics and while the qualitative data are used to explain certain economic practices. This approach is used because Cultural Economics implies that economic outcome is not only due to implicit and explicit decisions but is also based on regular cultural trajectories; specifically learned decision making that is passed down from generation to generation as well as societally (Guiso et al., 2006). Findings show great support for the hypothesis that a nation’s cultural identity has profound effects on the way nations do business and operate their economies.