One of the most fascinating political experiments in the contemporary world is occurring in China
Thank you, Fulltimestudent. Your response is rooted in observation.
The case of China must be understood in its cultural context. The stamp down on the commoners, anti-individualism, and strong nationalistic sentiment could perhaps not be sustained in a free-minded, "enlightened" Western setup.
The idea of a national identity is possibly and strongly being advocated in France, Germany, and Austria at present. The size of population makes such movements rapid and sustainable. With larger populations dissent is an ever-growing, ever-present problem. Wouldn't you say?