Should the US pursue a new Cold War with China?

Overview:

This article, featuring contributions from Patricia M. Kim, Matthew Turpin, Joseph S. Nye Jr., Jessica Chen Weiss, Eun A Jo, Ryan Hass, and Emilie Kimball, explores the question of whether the U.S. should pursue a new Cold War with China.

• The authors debate the applicability of the Cold War analogy to the current U.S.-China relationship, considering the economic, political, and military dimensions.
• They discuss the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship, including economic interdependence and differing political systems.

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Key Quotes:

1. "China does not pose an existential threat to the U.S. homeland or way of life." - Patricia M. Kim
2. "The United States and China are deeply suspicious of and hostile to the worldview of the other." - Matthew Turpin

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What They Discuss:

• The U.S. and China are in a state of competition, but it differs fundamentally from the U.S.-Soviet Cold War, particularly due to economic interdependence.
• China's rise and its political model present unique challenges, but it does not seek to overthrow democratic regimes or force its political model on others.
• The U.S. needs a nuanced strategy to address China's military ambitions, economic practices, and diplomatic influence.
• The debate considers whether the U.S. should engage in containment strategies or seek a more cooperative approach.
• The authors emphasize the importance of understanding China's perspective and the potential consequences of U.S. policies.

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What They Recommend:

• A multidimensional approach to U.S.-China relations, balancing competition with cooperation where possible.
• Strengthening alliances and international institutions to shape China's external behavior.
• Avoiding total economic decoupling, which would be costly and counterproductive.
• Developing strategies that consider the long-term implications of U.S. actions on the global order.

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Key Takeaways:

• The U.S.-China relationship is complex and requires a careful, strategic approach that differs from past Cold War tactics.
• Economic interdependence and global challenges like climate change necessitate some level of cooperation.
• The U.S. should focus on shaping China's behavior through alliances, international institutions, and domestic strength.

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This is a brief overview of the aforementioned work from the Brookings Institution. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.