Regardless of external challenges like China, the future of the West is imperilled by decaying political institutions and stagnant economic growth. Once havens for freethinking and the exchange of ideas, Western universities have succumbed to extremist viewpoints and an absence of debate.
China finds itself in need of its latest landmark reform as the urban-rural divide keeps growing and the broader economy is seeking new sources of growth. One possible solution is finding better uses for rural land and giving farmers the same legal rights as urban residents to rent, transfer or mortgage their land.