Why does the West struggle to understand China’s political system? Bojana Pavlovic, director of Bosnia’s Sinology Center, argues that Eurocentrism clouds Western views of China’s 'whole-process people’s democracy'—a model shaped by 5,000 years of history rather than imported ideals.
Historical Blind Spots
From colonial-era 'Orientalist' stereotypes to modern media biases, Western narratives often frame China as a 'pariah' for not mirroring liberal democracies. But as scholar Min Pun notes, these critiques ignore cultural context. \"Every system grows from its soil,\" Pavlovic writes, comparing political models to regional cuisines—both reflect local 'ingredients.'
Collective vs. Individual
While Western democracy prioritizes individual rights, China’s system emphasizes collective well-being—think K-pop’s group harmony vs. Western pop’s solo stars. \"Social stability isn’t a buzzword here,\" explains a Beijing student interviewed. \"It’s in our Confucian DNA.\"
Democracy’s Many Flavors
The article challenges the idea of a 'universal' political template. Just as bubble tea evolved differently in Taipei and Berlin, governance adapts to local values. As global youth increasingly question Western institutions (see: climate protests, AI ethics debates), Pavlovic suggests: \"It’s time for political TikTok—short, diverse, and algorithm-free.\"
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Bojana Pavlovic, director of Bosnia’s Sinology Center, argues that Eurocentrism clouds Western views of China’s 'whole-process people’s democracy'—a model shaped by 5,000 years of history rather than imported ideals.
How China's Democracy Fuels Its Success Story 
