The People's Republic of Capitalism

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1 General Information
2 Cover
3 Information
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5 Technical Specs
- 5.1 x264 Version
- 5.2 AVI/XviD Version
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[edit] General Information

Sociopolitical Documentary hosted by Ted Koppel and published by Discovery Channel in 2009 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

Ted Koppel takes an in-depth look at the economic ties that bind the U.S. to China.

"A major achievement ... an utterly enchanting education" –The Washington Post

"Terrific ... don't miss it." –USA Today

In this in-depth four-part documentary, Ted Koppel examines China's new status as an economic superpower and its complex relationship with the United States. He focuses on Chongqing–a city in Sichuan Province with a burgeoning population and big plans for the future. While peasants in outlying areas eke out a meager living, the rising middle class revels in new riches, challenging traditional ideas about religion, sexuality, and consumerism. All this reverberates here in America, where companies scramble for cheap labor, workers find jobs shipped overseas, and shoppers snap up Chinese-made goods at big box retailers.

A year in the making, The People's Republic of Capitalism shows China's extraordinary changes through the eyes of its industrialists, assembly line workers, coal miners, taxi drivers, and farmers. Along the way, it provides surprising perspectives on a country fast becoming America's greatest economic rival and biggest business partner.

An inductee in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Ted Koppel has earned 37 Emmys, six Peabodys, and numerous other awards in his decades of broadcast reporting. He served as anchor and managing editor of ABC's Nightline, network television's first late-night news program, for 25 years.

BONUS FEATURES

* Exclusive interview with Ted Koppel
* 16-page viewer's guide includes key points, discussion questions, avenues for further learning, and more

Narrated by Ted Koppel

Produced by Tom Bettag

Winner of the Edward R. Murrow award for Best TV interpretation or documentary on international affairs

~3 hours, English audio, 2009

[edit] Joined at the Hip

"The U.S. would have an easier time disentangling itself from Germany or France than from the Chinese,” says Ted Koppel. “You have to wonder how either country would get along without the other.” Perhaps this is why US leaders expect to get away with so much international aggression - by buying China's consent.

[edit] From MAO-ism to ME-ism

Most Americans have never heard of Chongqing, a mega-city in western China positively exploding with growth, or the Chinese's favorite pressure valve, the "KTV". The economic boom in Chongqing has shaken traditional values and culture with far-reaching effects on religion and politics, while KTV nightclubs - and gay establishments, too - are flourishing.

[edit] The Fast Lane

The Chinese government expects the automotive industry to transform the country both economically and socially, but adding 9 million cars to the road every year is changing China in other ways as well, sometimes not so positively. At the same time, Chinese automakers are beginning to eye the US market.

[edit] It's the Economy, Stupid

Inevitably, stoking China's white-hot economy means getting dirty - from coal mines, to pollution-spewing power plants, to bribes demanded by corrupt officials. While wholeheartedly embracing free market influences, China is able to resist free-thinking politics. Find out how in this final episode.