Chuang 1: Dead Generations

by Chuang Collective (Editor)

Chuang is a collective of communists who consider the “China question” to be of central relevance to the contradictions of the world’s economic system and the potentials for its overcoming. Their goal is to formulate a body of clear-headed theory capable of understanding contemporary China and its potential trajectories. In this first issue, they outline their basic conceptual framework and illustrate the current state of class conflict in China. The issue also includes translated reports and interviews with the proletarians engaged in these struggles, pairing our theory with primary sources drawn from class dynamics that might otherwise remain abstract.

Genres: China, History, Nonfiction, Politics

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2016

Reviews

[melancholinary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply brilliant! Super informative on the emergence of capitalism in China and rural conflict. The last part of Factory Stories translated piece are also great.

[Michael Boyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't normally mark a journal/periodical on here, but at 300 plus pages, Chuang #1 counts. Richly researched, thoroughly materialist, and well argued, Chuang covers urban and rural struggles inside China, as well as a lengthy and fairly heterodox history of economic struggle and development through the socialist, or Mao era. By shifting the focus away from the commanding heights to the everyday the elucidate the experiences of every day workers and peasants through the ups and downs of the revolutionary period. I don't agree with all of their analysis, but find the way they articulate the class struggle none the less compelling. Excellent work, particularly paired with some of the more recent works on the Mao era, particularly Mobo Gao's books.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really recommend this journal if you want to get a more level headed and informative idea of modern China. Looking forward to reading vol. 2

[Nathan Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't share their infatuation with the Theorie Communiste thesis (nor their current orientation towards the CCP, which isn't really pronounced here, but I know it's known), but grading on the curve of Anglophone writings on the Chinese revolutionary trajectory, 'Sorghum & Steel' is a serious contribution worth absorbing.

[Eli Lakich · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great introduction not only into the economic structure of China and the "socialist" development period but also a good understanding of comm.unization theory

[Anas Nor'Azim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for anyone interested in critical perspectives on China from a Marxist (or Marxian) viewpoint. Sorghum and Steel in particular (followed by Red Dust in Volume 2).

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for Western communists to understand contemporary China

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite phenomenal. Very insightful on the foundation, history and the context around 'Chinese developmental regime'. It is pretty easy to read as well. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to know about China and how it all came about. Some hair rising stuff about early revolutionary period - factory committees, communes, and even some anarchist experiments. All of it gave away to this neoliberal hell-hole that China is right now. Which is quite unfortunate. Really excited to read the second journal.

This particular essay about the incomplete proletarianisation, drawing parallels with similar stuff around the world, and why it is actually better to not have 'new deal' esque union politics was neat. The last few paragraphs are easily one of the best I have ever read.

[sube · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful as overview work on China itself under the rule of Mao Zedong, however its thesis of China lacking a mode of production is eerily similar to Hill Ticktin's thesis. Chuang never elaborates upon this thesis beyond rather simple statements upon superficial understanding of the economy and situation at large.

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely thorough & heavy-hitting, just a wealth of knowledge & analysis. even though a lot went over my head i still feel like it doubled my understanding of modern china/labor rights/communist theory. definitely need to reread.