[Loughla]

That's an optimistic world-view. If they put down the protesters violently, I'm not convinced it would really have an impact more than 6 months out. Maybe I'm too cynical, but honestly, there don't really seem to be any negative long-term repercussions for bad actors in today's world.

[onepointsixC]

A HK crack down would be flash point which would force the hand of many countries. European nations such as Germany have been trying to avoid taking sides in order to preserve market access. Thus far the CCP have succeeded in gradually degrading free societies ability to speak ill of them. A HK crack down would force all who believe in liberal values to grow a spine.

[himlion]

I hope so. I just don't see how relations wouldn't be slowly normalized again within a year. I've seen very few lasting measures for bad actors. Even Russia, which was responsible for the downing of MH17 killing 193 Dutch citizens, is a major trading partner of the Netherlands.

[shifto]

This still makes me angry and I don't know what I can do about it.

[mey]

or show complete geopolitical weakness. I am hoping for the spine growth.

[Chirael]

It pushes innovators out, which is strategically problematic long-term. If you were an innovator, would that be the kind of environment you'd want to stay in?

[enriquto]

it pushes innovators out only in the short term

[Chirael]

How is an oppressive and/or corrupt environment any more welcoming to innovators in a longer time horizon?

[enriquto]

It is already oppressive and corrupt today, yet it has no problem attracting as many "innovators" as it needs to. The only thing that may be unwelcoming are local instabilities like the hong kong stuff.