Dr. Andrew M. Fischer Discusses Development Issues in China and Tibet

By Asia Pacific Memo on September 2, 2010

Memo #17

Andrew M. Fischer

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.

Part 1 – The role and significance of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrGIuYJgMB4[/youtube]

Part 2 – The key development issues facing China in Tibet

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6Y7cZ-aHu8[/youtube]

Part 3 – China’s success with the Western Development Project and Tibet-related development projects

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKgfR8YwR5w[/youtube]

Part 4 – The shortcomings of China’s current development projects in Tibet

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABpcBnz5T7Q[/youtube]

Part 5 – The Tibetan response to China’s strategy for development

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ErnfWETxMM[/youtube]

 

About the Author:

Dr. Andrew M. Fischer is a Senior Lecturer in Population and Social Policy at the Institute of Social Studies (The Hague) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. He attended the 12th seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS), which was hosted by the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia last month.

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