[JumpCrisscross]

> Did the USSR ever manufacture 80% of the stuff in your house?

China makes about a third of the world’s stuff [1]. Soviet Union probably peaked around a fifth, though it might have been as high as a fourth.

China is undoubtedly stronger today, absolutely and relative to the U.S., than the Soviets ever were. But history is littered with self-obsessed autocrats ruining a good thing.

Part of what makes the world today frustrating is both America and China are squandering their advantages in remarkably-similar ways, with each regime’s defenders speaking almost identically.

[1] https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/china-worlds-sole-manufacturi...

[chii]

> But history is littered with self-obsessed autocrats ruining a good thing.

i actually dont believe that china is heading towards autocratic rule. At least, the trajectory isn't indicative of such tbh. It's dictatorial - ala, the party's needs supersedes the needs of the population, but it doesn't make it autocratic imho.

On the other hand, the behaviour of trump and his goons, have shown more signs of autocratic behaviour than any in recent history in american gov't.

[alephnerd]

> Part of what makes the world today frustrating is both America and China are squandering their advantages in remarkably-similar ways, with each regime’s defenders speaking almost identically.

Personalist rule be personalist. Also glad to see you also appear to recognize our "Wolf Warrior" moment.

[ksec]

>China makes about a third of the world’s stuff [1].

Why do I see this being quote all the time on HN? China made one third of the value, mostly concentrating in commodity sector. In product / unit volume they are far greater. As in the 80% the OP mentioned.

[bmitc]

> China makes about a third of the world’s stuff

That isn't what the commenter asked. What percentage of stuff in your house is made in China? I would be extremely surprised if it's not more than 33%.

[chii]

And the idea of the percentage make up is a bit misleading, because while some things could've been 100% manufactured in america, the machines doing that manufacturing comes from china.

[bmitc]

Good point. And also the materials.

[floatrock]

wait so is

> history is littered with self-obsessed autocrats ruining a good thing.

referring to China or the US?