China and the Soviet Union: Fighting The Founders

Of all the conceits of Communism, none is more pervasive, and none more dubious, than its claim to serve the interests and fulfill the aspirations of the people. Marxist states are given to calling themselves "people's republics." The largest represents 1.1 billion men, women and children, nearly a fifth of humanity. The Chinese are supposed to read the People's Daily, entrust their security to the People's Liberation Army and obey laws passed by the National People's Congress, which convenes in the Great Hall of the People, situated, as it happens, on Tiananmen Square.

But something quite extraordinary is happening. The people...