Executive Summary: This analysis examines the contrasting economic trajectories of the West and China, particularly focusing on the impact of financialization versus investment in public goods on the quality of life. The West, characterized by increasing financialization, faces drawbacks such as systemic risk, inequality, and potential underinvestment in crucial public services. Case studies like the privatization of Thames Water and the UK rail system illustrate the pitfalls of prioritizing profit over public benefit. In contrast, China's state-led industrial capitalist model, with its high savings rate and centralized planning, has facilitated massive investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for many citizens. This analysis delves deep into specific cases of negative privatization outcomes and successful publicly led services, providing more granular details and context. We explore the structural d...