For decades, China set a shining example of how to capitalise on globalisation to accelerate domestic economic growth and development. These days, however, the country risks becoming a cautionary tale about mishandling globalisation’s shift from a beneficial tailwind to a disruptive headwind.

Although the Chinese economy’s recent travails have some unique characteristics, they illustrate the growth challenges facing many developed and developing countries. They also show that while economic growth is not everything, you cannot solve much of anything without it.