What if the Soviet Union and PRC switched destiny's in 1989?

1989 was the year that Gorbachev brought multiple reforms to the Soviet Union leading to the end of the Cold War, the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union. It was also the same year that attempts to bring these same reforms in China ended in the Tienanmen Square massacre. But what if Hu Yaobang was the leader of China and Gorbachev died before implementing reforms and a hardliner took his place? What if China became the democracy and the Soviets caused a Red Square Massacre? How would the world look like today?
 
... would it be entirely fair to call Russia a democracy? ... By western standards it appears somewhat lacking, specially when it comes to having a free, unmolested, opposition.
 
... would it be entirely fair to call Russia a democracy? ... By western standards it appears somewhat lacking, specially when it comes to having a free, unmolested, opposition.
True. But if China was the reforming one then I guess they'd try to match Taiwans government so they could reunite with no major problems.
 

Wallet

Banned
Russia a democracy? Putin changed the constitution to have longer terms in office. He secretly ran things for a few years when he was Prime Minister.

People who criticize him disappear. Even those who fled to other countries die. Putin owns trillions of dollars in wealth, the rest belongs to his billionaire friends and the Russian mafia.

And he invaded other countries. And supports even worst third world dictators like Assad who has their own people.

What's democratic about Russia? I say China is more democratic. Don't say anything bad about the government or communism, and your mostly free to do as you please. It's far easier to start a buisness
 
While there's certainly a fair bit of difference between Russia and China right now, especially as relates to the difference between a failing post-industrial economy and an exploding industrializing economy that seems like it might become post-industrial before it finishes becoming industrial...but there's a certain similarity in their governments. Both are currently being run by strongmen with cults of personality. Both allow lots of freedom as long as you don't say anything bad about the government or its policies. Both govern the media with an iron grip. Both have upper, middle, and lower echelons dominated by loyal but corrupt officials. Honestly, the main difference is that China claims to still be Marxist-Leninist (it isn't), while Russia claims to be a liberal democracy (it isn't). Hell, both are even provoking small local conflicts to test the Americans' resolve right now.
 
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