Will Hutton writes,

My hypothesis when I began was that China was so different that it could carry on adapting its model, living without democracy or European enlightenment values. I have changed my mind and now see more clearly than ever the kinds of connection I identified in The State We’re In between economic performance and so-called ‘soft’ institutions – how people are educated, how trust relations are established and how accountability is exercised (just to name a few) – are central. They are equally important to a good society and the chance for individual empowerment and self-betterment.

This is interesting, in light of some previous discussion on this blog.