Dr. Andrew M. Fischer Discusses Development Issues in China and Tibet
Memo #17 – In a 5-part interview, Dr. Andrew M. Fischer talks about the significance of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS). He underlines that the IATS creates a unique setting where Tibetans from China, India, and abroad can meet for academic and professional discussions. When discussing the Western Development Project and Tibet-related development, he emphasizes that China has been replicating the growth model of its coastal areas in its western areas. This model of focusing on growth poles resulted in phenomenal growth in the western areas, although a result may be intensified inequalities for those who live near the poles. Tibetans are fundamentally disadvantaged by economic developments that are centred in urban areas, as those areas are controlled by outside governments, companies, and investors. Fluent Chinese speakers with outside connections benefit most from the economic conditions.
The Prospects for Tibetan Self-Rule
Memo #12 – The imprisonment of Tibetan environmentalists in June and July 2010 and the stalled negotiations between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing make it hard to imagine that more tolerant Chinese rule in Tibet is on the horizon.