Can a nation engineer its way out of the perils of prosperity?

China's rapid economic rise transformed it into the world's factory, but the country now faces the consequences of its own success. This episode examines the shift from a massive building boom to the current challenges of overbuilding and youth unemployment.

Over the last 50 years, China experienced unprecedented economic growth driven by a unique blend of central government planning and individual ambition. This era was defined by an 'engineering state' mindset, where leaders sought to solve economic hurdles through massive infrastructure projects like high-speed rail networks, bridges, and widespread housing development.

The narrative shifts from the free-wheeling boom of the early 2000s—characterized by extreme displays of wealth—to the present-day reality of a slowing economy. As the country grapples with overbuilding, rising youth unemployment has emerged as a significant concern, leading some young people to withdraw from the workforce entirely.

Source: Building things and breaking things in China (Summer School World Tour) | Planet Money