What I learned this week: sovereignty
I am beginning a new series called “what I learned this week.” It seems that every week, as events unfold, my naturally curious autistic brain wants to deep dive something rather relevant to my life. So, every week on Friday, I’ll share what I learned during the week. There will be no other guidance as to topics. It could be anything. I hope that you will enjoy finding out what I’ve learned.
This week’s topic: sovereignty
With the events unfolding around the world, this word has come up constantly in the news reports. I wondered what it meant in each context where it was presented. Here’s what I found.
Sovereignty refers to supreme authority and self-governance. In political terms, it means a country has the inherent right to govern itself and make decisions about its territory without external interference. Geographically, it implies defined borders over land and control over resources within those borders. For an individual, sovereignty means personal autonomy and agency over one's own thoughts, actions, and life path. It suggests independence of mind and the ability to make choices freely based on one's values and judgment. Political sovereignty relies on institutions like constitutions, laws, and government. Individual sovereignty stems from inner freedoms, self-awareness, and maturity. Whilst countries assert their sovereignty outwardly through independence, individuals express personal sovereignty through their choices, integrity, and responsibility. Just as globalization has made political sovereignty more complex, an individual's sovereignty depends on finding the right balance between freedom and social obligations.
Individual (autistic) sovereignty
I thought about what I discovered in terms of individual sovereignty. Then I thought about it in relation to autism rights.
Neurological autonomy - Accepting and respecting the inherent dignity and equal worth of autistic neurology as a natural human variation, rather than seeing it as a disorder to be controlled or "cured."
Self-determination - Autistic people having the freedom and support to make their own life decisions around education, employment, living arrangements, relationships, etc. based on their own needs and preferences.
Participation and accommodation - Creating inclusive spaces in society where autistic voices are heard, and diverse needs accommodated, so full participation as citizens is possible. This means acceptance of communication differences, flexibility around routines or sensitivities, alternative learning/working formats.
Identity ownership - Recognizing that the ability to define oneself and one's relationship with the autism label belongs to autistic individuals themselves, not to others. It means respecting self-identification.
Ending ableism - Challenging beliefs, attitudes, systems that discriminate against autism by embracing more holistic understandings of neurological diversity, intelligence, social norms.
Access and support - Providing adequate public resources and social support systems tailored to autistic needs and perspectives, to foster empowerment and mitigate vulnerability.
Overall, autistic sovereignty involves sustaining communities, systems, and environments where the autistic can freely express their identities, share their gifts, articulate their needs, and lead self-determined, independent, and fulfilling lives with dignity. The specifics would likely be defined by autistic individuals themselves.
Utopianism?
Of course, personal sovereignty is not possible on this planet. To have the resources necessary to achieve the above would require the wealth of the 0.1%. Having previously investigated how autism is viewed around the world in my book, No Place for Autism?, I wondered if conditions existed somewhere in the world where the above might be possible.
During my research stage, I found much to like about how the Chinese system supports its people. Certainly, no country is perfect. But I found a lot to like there.
I read stories about how the country lifted itself out of poverty over several decades to become the economic powerhouse that it is today. One of the ways that it did that was to assure that all are housed and have a minimum basic income to support themselves. That sounded quite appealing. Many disabled people face income and housing insecurity. There as well, the family unit is encouraged to stay together, form the glue of the community, and support each other. Here in the US, it’s quite the opposite.
Chinese Sovereignty
I know that socialism is a dirty word in the west. But, I conduct my investigations with an open mind. Socialism with Chinese Characteristics looks different than the socialism of 1950’s Europe or the former Soviet Union. To me, Socialism with Chinese Characteristics simply means “adopting whatever policies best serve the collective interests of the Chinese people at the current stage of development.” It's about taking a practical, flexible approach to build a prosperous and strong China.
Core elements are:
Putting China's national rejuvenation first - This means pursuing policies that restore China's wealth and power after the “Century of Humiliation.” Economic reforms serve this goal.
Governance for the people - The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) represents the interests of the masses and provides political stability and policy continuity for sustained growth. Yet, in addition to the CCP, there are several minor, political parties that operate in China. Referred to as “democratic parties,” they serve advisory and collaborative roles under the leadership of the CCP. These minor parties, numbering around 8 currently, have limited membership and exist to represent social, commercial, and ethnic interests aligned with the national agenda. They are involved in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body.
State-guided capitalism - The state directs investment and builds infrastructure. Private enterprise is encouraged but major industries remain under state influence. This avoids extremes and contradictions of Western-style capitalism.
Socialist values, Chinese essence - Reforms do not mean abandoning core socialist/Confucian values like communal harmony, respect for elders, honesty.
Independent foreign policy - China reclaims its rightful place as a major power globally, free from the imperialist bullying it once faced. More assertive diplomacy now serves Chinese interests.
Overall, “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” means national rejuvenation through flexible, pragmatic policies suited for China's conditions. The CCP leads this effort by balancing economic growth, social stability and maintaining China's core values. It's an evolving model focused on building a prosperous nation.
Belt and Road … and Sovereignty
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a multi-billion dollar global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to strengthen China's trade and investment links with economies in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa along two main corridors - the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “Maritime Silk Road.” Through financing and building roads, railways, pipelines, ports, and other infrastructure abroad, China seeks to open new trade routes centered on China. The BRI provides opportunities for China’s companies to export technology, construction services, and absorb excess manufacturing capacity.
A key motivation behind the BRI is to strengthen China's economic independence and sovereignty. Through the BRI, China seeks to secure trade routes and access to critical resources, especially energy, without relying on routes and relationships potentially vulnerable to foreign interference. For example, new port and pipeline projects opening access to oil and gas reserves in Central Asia allow China to diversify its energy sources. Infrastructure projects under the BRI also strengthen China’s trade links with economies in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe. This increases China's influence as a trade partner. By developing new trade corridors centering on China, the BRI enhances China's economic sovereignty and reduces reliance on existing maritime routes or partnerships dominated by other powers. With its ambitious transcontinental vision, the BRI exemplifies China's drive for economic independence and sovereignty through controlled access to resources, markets, and strategic global infrastructure.
What it means
China is going all in on sovereignty. Just about everything manufactured in China has a Chinese supply chain. They really don’t need any other country to ship them the parts that they need to assemble the products they produce. They can source a majority of the raw materials needed from internal sources. Those they can’t, they’re getting from friendly nations. What they lack is energy. That they’re getting from Russia and the other BRICS nations.
Along the way, they’re doing something I’d never thought I’d see. They’re challenging the hegemony of the US Dollar. What do I mean by that? Currently, when a German chemical factory wants to buy raw materials from India, for example, the transaction is settled in US Dollars. So, the Germans must sell Euro to buy dollars. This devalues the Euro against the Dollar via demand and supply. There’s more demand for Dollars, which props up its value. This arrangement is part of the Bretton Woods system of financial management.
If you look back at times of hyper inflation, like Zimbabwe, Venezuela, and Argentina, all of these events were a byproduct of the Bretton Woods system. To pay back debt denominated in Dollars, these countries had to sell their own country’s currency and buy Dollars. As they continued to pay, their currency continued to lose value vs. the Dollar. Eventually, people saw what was happening and liquidated their holdings of the local currency, accelerating the currencies’ death spirals.
Interestingly, China is offering its parters an escape from this system of debt traps. It’s offering countries like Argentina what can be considered a currency swap. China’s central bank sells Yuan to buy Argentinian Pesos, and parks those Pesos in the bank in Argentina. Argentina then does the reverse. Then, as they engage in commerce, the accounts are settled locally and in the local currency - China buys Argentinian beef in Pesos … not Dollars. Argentina buys Chinese tech in Yuan … not in Dollars. Maybe each sold Dollars to by the others’ local currency, which would accelerate inflation in the US as the money rushes back home.
Infrastructure
I love trains. I miss living in a city with decent public transport. I also hate flying. The whole experience is a sensory nightmare for me. Thus, I wish the US had a reliable and robust train system. Sadly, it doesn’t.
Over the past decade, China has undertaken the largest railway expansion in history, vastly extending its domestic rail network. This is one of the many things China is doing with its money. This enormous infrastructure investment reflects China's drive to enhance connectivity, economic integration, and sovereign control across its vast territory. High-speed rail lines now connect all major Chinese cities, facilitating domestic business activity and reducing regional inequality. The expansion also strengthens China's sovereign reach into peripheral regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Yunnan, asserting its presence along sensitive borders. This reinforces territorial integrity. Abroad, China is financing and building railways in neighboring countries under the BRI, expanding its railway diplomacy. International lines like the China-Lao railway increase China’s economic influence over its neighbors. The domestic and international rail boom highlights how infrastructure helps China exert sovereign control within its borders and strategically expand its connectivity and clout across Eurasia under the BRI.
Wouldn’t be amazing to live there?
Not quite …
In spite of all these amazing facts, China is not the most accessible destination for an autistic foreigner seeking to immigrate. However, China’s attitudes and infrastructure related to disabilities are slowly developing alongside their economic progress. Their crowded cities and variable healthcare pose challenges. But with an open mind, family support, and respect for cultural differences, an autistic visitor can still find life there manageable.
Language acquisition and social adaptation will be crucial first steps. Finding an expat community, hiring an aide, and living in a less hectic urban district can help initially. For long-term residence, demonstrating exceptional skills, investment capacity, or family ties per their strict immigration policies will be required. They advise being upfront about one’s autism when applying for visas. Whilst stigma sadly persists, institutions are becoming more accommodating. With patience and preparation, an autistic immigrant can surely integrate successfully into Chinese society and access care. They do, however, recognize further progress on accessibility and inclusion is needed. But China seeks to support the aspirations of foreigners, whilst prudently managing the privileges of citizenship and residency.
So, I may be able to visit China, but I won’t be able to stay.
What about other Western countries then?
There is no one country that would be ideal for all autistic individuals, since needs and preferences are diverse. However, some countries that tend to score well on research and rankings for autism support include:
The Netherlands - Has a comprehensive autism strategy focused on improving inclusion in society, employment, housing and community living support. Known for accessibility and disability rights.
The Nordic countries - Sweden, Denmark, Finland and others invest heavily in social services and rehabilitative programs tailored for autistic citizens. Emphasis on integration and normalization.
Canada - Most provinces provide government funding and programs for special education, vocational training, assisted living, and disability income support. Autism coverage is part of public healthcare.
Australia - The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides individualized, life-long support for autistic people including therapy, community participation, caregiver assistance and workplace accommodations.
United Kingdom - Public services, social benefits and community agencies specialized for autism. Efforts to expand autism acceptance through training and employment programs.
United States - Law mandates public special education services for autism. Variability between states, but generally improving autism awareness and access to support services.
However, even in these countries services are not perfect and discrimination exists. No nation has achieved full inclusion and support for neurodiversity yet. Some of these have eugenics-based laws that permit assisted suicide. Reports are coming in from these countries that people are being offered medical assistance in dyeing rather than support for living.
And yet …
You may still consider leaving where you are and traveling to one of these countries. Having universal public health care and other robust social services does, however, present challenges for immigration eligibility in many of these countries.
It is true that someone with high support needs could face difficulties immigrating permanently to places with national health systems like the UK, Canada, Australia, etc. These countries do not want to take on financial responsibility for new residents requiring expensive medical and community care. I know this from the experience of trying to claim my right to Canadian citizenship through my Canadian mother. I was denied. The high support costs they associate with autism was cited as the reason for the rejection of my application.
In the end …
Coming full circle, exploring sovereignty and being autistic, trying to apply what was learned this week to my own context, here’s what I’ve found.
Viewing oneself as having personal sovereignty and autonomy can empower an autistic individual to shape their living space in a way that feels most secure and supportive. Some suggestions:
Take control over your space - Make adjustments like lighting, soundproofing, furniture arrangement based on your sensory needs - if you’re able. Choose housemates who understand you - if you can. Customize your sanctuary.
Set boundaries - Be clear on when and how much you are available for social interaction. Don't feel pressured by norms. Your needs come first in your personal space.
Request accommodations - Request adjustments at school or work that help you manage, like noise-cancelling headphones, flexible schedules, private workspaces. You have a right to dignity.
Learn coping strategies - Study methods like the martial arts or CBT that can help you self-regulate emotions and sensations more effectively day-to-day.
Join supportive communities - Find online or local groups that share information and experiences. But beware those promoting harmful agendas.
Leverage aides/technology - Seek aides or tools like apps that can help with daily tasks or communication. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.
Educate others - Kindly but firmly explain your needs and boundaries to others in your life.
Exercising personal sovereignty means advocating for your needs whilst also recognizing interdependence with others. With self-awareness and courage, we can cultivate an environment suited to our vision of a life well lived.
Now … how to pay for it all?