What history books are you currently reading or have recenly read?

[Ecthy]

No, because the Chinese state is not primarily market-oriented. Those businesspeople are basically in exile, so they're probably not supporting the state. And why should they look to the PRC for leadership?

There's just no proper connection between all those things. He's a dreamer. And then look into his predictions for Europe. Ukraine splitting and all, Greece kicked out of the EU, what a nonsense. It's an interesting read, but not very clever, sort of popular science even.

Stop claiming otherwise.

[Az]

They're not in exile. Ethinic chinese communities predate the PRC, by far.

From personal knowledge, his writing on Ukraine is NOT bull****, and there are forces pulling Ukraine apart. But since Russia is apparently choosing to be close with Europe, those forces are minimal. Had Russia chosen a different path, things would've played out in a very different manner.

[Drake Tungsten]

No, because the Chinese state is not primarily market-oriented.

It's becoming more and more market-oriented every day.

Those businesspeople are basically in exile, so they're probably not supporting the state. And why should they look to the PRC for leadership?

I think you'd be surprised at the dynamic between the overseas Chinese community and the PRC. Strangely friendly.

As for why the countries would look to China for leadership, just remember that China has been the hegemon and central state in Asia for most of history. A return to Chinese leadership would be a return to the historical status quo.

[Sikander]

I'm reading General Patton A Soldier's Life by Stanley P. Hirshson. It's ok, and I'm enjoying reading about Patton again as I haven't been reading much WW2 stuff recently.

I just got back from Portland where I visited my sister and her family and paid a visit to Powell's books. I picked up about 6 books of French history (Richelieu, Louis XIII era mostly), and a few odds and ends. I must say that trying to buy history books is a difficult task. Once you get beyond the typical output (for instance, French history begins with Louis XIV and ends with Napolean, and most of French history took place during the revolution if you go by what is published) it gets very hard to find anything interesting much less germain to your own vector of study. I used to live in a university town which had a great library, but unfortunately I live in a university town whose libraries absolutely suck. It's an embarassment to the state that the U of C library is such a complete wasteland. So now I rely on what I can buy mostly, which is haphazard at best.

[Ecthy]

What about the historical staus quo in Central Europe? It's not projected at all.

Greece out of the EU?

[Drake Tungsten]

Look at the bright side, Sikander. At least the books at your library are in a language you can read...

[Drake Tungsten]

Greece out of the EU?

Did he say Greece would leave the EU? I remember him talking about tension between the two, but I don't remember him predicting Greece's removal.

I don't know why you guys let them in anyway, to be honest. You won't let Turkey in and I really can't see the difference between the two.

[Ecthy]

Turkey is full of Arabs and camels, Greece isn't.

[Drake Tungsten]

Greece is full of half-Turks and goats. Not much better, IMO.

[Ecthy]

They do produce goat cheese after all. And fumigated!

[Az]

Oh wow, he was wrong in the case of Greece! that makes his entire book void!

[Ecthy]

and China and Ukraine

[Drake Tungsten]

He's not wrong about China, yet. It'll take a long time to see if he was right or not.

[Ecthy]

So he was wrong. He can only be right if it happens now.

Same for Ukraine.

And he didn't predict the precise date for 9-11 either.

[Drake Tungsten]

And he didn't predict the precise date for 9-11 either.

Yes he did. Translate Chapter 7 with the Bible Code and you'll find it.

Chiamateur.