The Next Superpower: China
One of the most insightful books I ever read dealing with broad array of topics like terrorism, China and Africa
Approximately one week ago I received a wonderful book: Why Geography Matters written by Dutch-American Harm de Blij. I started reading and had – and continue to have (haven’t finished it yet) – great difficulty putting it down (which is quite problematic considering the fact that I have to turn in three essays within an incredibly short amount of time). The reason: it is one of the most comprehensive yet incredibly insightful books I have ever read in this area (foreign policy, changes in the world, why, etc.). De Blij deals with terrorism, Africa, the rise of China (and of India), Russia, the EU as a (potential?) superpower… all in 300 pages and all from a geographic perspective.
A more lengthy review of it will follow later this week. For now I would like to focus on China. The commenter known as ‘Interested’ and I were exchanging e-mails about the book (I owe him a lot for this wonderful gift) and thus, about China. We agreed that the subject (will China become the next superpower and if so what does this mean for America – and for other Western countries of course) is absolutely fascinating and of major importance.
We wondered: it is really that much of a big deal?
It is a fair question. Will the rise of China as superpower truly have a big impact on people’s lives? On Americans (and Europeans)? Or will America adapt to the new situation and learn to take advantage of it?
World – meet modern China
My view is a mixed one. The real ‘problem’ will not be the economical result: it will be the very real possibiliy, as Harm de Blij notes, of another Cold War. This time between two countries (and it will, as a result, draw Europe into it as well) that have great difficulty understanding each other. The cultural differences between China and the United States are gigantic. If one thinks that the Soviet Union and the US had great difficulty understand each other, well, I would say just wait for the situation of the future.
Regional influences will also be a major problem. As Harm de Blij notes, the Chinese government and average Chinese are not exactly happy with the US at their ‘doorstep’: China does not have any real influence / power in the area surrounding the US, yet the US is a major player everywhere, including countries bordering China. As a result, China is already trying to expand its own influence: for instance regarding Venezuela. This will only increase.
Just some thoughts, as always, my question to you all is: what do you all think of this: is the rise of China as a superpower a major concern, does it simply provide an opportunity, or both? And to in what degree does it concern you? Isn’t it about time that we, in the West, teach our children more about China?
14 Responses to “The Next Superpower: China”
I’ve never really noticed Americans saying – omg, China’s gonna eclipse our economy (except for alarmists); Americans have more of a mix of uncaring/ignorance that they will; Europeans seem to be almost gleeful about it, kind of like – if you followed our advice it wouldn’t happen.
IMHO – who cares. You cannot control the population of another country – and even if you could, whats it matter. We’ve shown an ability to adapt to global economics (not necessarily global responsibility) market-wise. i.e. companies moving factories overseas, call centers overseas, technological advancements, etc. It is beneficial for America if China and India have a large dynamic economies (more customers for us). Growing pains will always happen, but Americans have the ability to adapt and maintain competitive where other countries do not – largely due to their protectionist stance towards employees. Companies will adapt accordingly to maintain a profitable bottom line.
Besides, It’s not like countries won’t want to sell to us.
it is btw – a fascinating and insightful book.
“We wondered: it is really that much of a big deal?
It is a fair question. Will the rise of China as superpower truly have a big impact on people’s lives? On Americans (and Europeans)? Or will America adapt to the new situation and learn to take advantage of it?”
I think the picture above says clearly why it does matter, and is a big deal. It has something to do with what was behind the lady mimicking the average american with cell phone jammed in ear.
It’s that hammer and sickle folks, thats why it’s a big deal. We are selling out to authoritarian dictators that shoot people fleeing Tibet, crush them with tanks for redresses of grevances. You know, liberty and freedom, the stuff we are too busy to give a damn about anymore even when habeus corpus is taken away?
It’s not alarmist to notice our “american” manufacturers have shipped out manufacturing ability across the Pacific.
Something like a cold war could arise between the US and China.
It will most likely be a battle over South America. Those people will suffer greatly as a result. China and the US will compete for the resources and control of South America.
Anyone can know about this if they follow the news stories on Chinese investment in South America.
I have to agree with Pyst on this one. I constantly hear people who want the continuing economic ties with China to grow based on a completely unproven belief that improving economic ties will produce a more open political system in China. They also tend to be the same people who believe that free trade will solve the problems of poverty in the Third World. They have a real problem with understanding that while in the long run their beliefs might prove true, people suffer in the short term when far more wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few at the top.
Emil: very, very good point. It is a point de Blij makes as well. The battle will be over South America: China is already bringing the battle there (which is logical from a Chinese perspective, since the US is influencing the region surrounding China as well).
But another cold war? Although i agree South America would be in the middle of an international conflict i think equating it to the cold war is a bit far fetched. I really doubt that once China is named a “superpower” by the contemporaries of the world, they are going to start pointing nukes at our major cities. It wont be an arms race or anything close to the cold war. What will occur in South America will be the race for the market. For a decade now we have known south america holds wealth in the form of labor and manufacturing potential. This is what both America and China will be fighting for. And if you think Europe isnt out of this fight your wrong.
Africa has the same chance to be influenced over China. Besides the obvious conflicts in some african countries i think China will push for the same market opertunaties in africa as they will do south america. I think europe will be compelled to grab the market in africa, their own backyard, just as america will be to grab south america with a firmer hold.
China becomming a “superpower” can only be concieved as “bad” or “harmful” because we absolutely have no idea how they will use their new found status. Personally im not scared of that flag behind her. Communism doesnt produce wealth. Communishm scares people like Pyst so china can have the fear factor over other nations and people. They are communist by name only and not function.
always a student
randal
Randal,
While the cold war Nukes was a clear indicator and reference point that the Cold War existed – that was not what made the Cold War a Cold War.
It was much more of a Ideological one, social, religious differences and the fight to keep the other side in check – or to gain an upper hand on the other side.
Europe has a much clearer advantage for Africa than China does – not only on religious grounds but for simple historic ones (no matter how much they’re at fault for current problems facing Africa).
While I fail to agree with Pyst, His point is more of a moralistic point rather than an economic or idealistic point. Should we do business with a country that has horrible Human Right practices. It’s a right question to ask. – but I stress question – not solution.
O, I wanted to add: this book is absolutely required reading material.
Should we do business with a country that has horrible human right practices? well depends on what business we are doing.
Should we sell our goods to them? yes.
Should we buy goods / allow our companies to manufacture in a country like that? i say no.
Trade is not a solution to fixing human rights, but at the same time suspending trade to 1/3 of the worlds population isnt the smartest economic decision.
Heres a solution: Take all our businesses out of china and manufacture back in North America. If america was to pull its businesses from China on the grounds of human rights then i think china would be forced to rethink their policies. American business is a huge form of income for china. And we have the power to take that income away.
always a student,
randal
“While I fail to agree with Pyst, His point is more of a moralistic point rather than an economic or idealistic point. Should we do business with a country that has horrible Human Right practices. It’s a right question to ask. – but I stress question – not solution.”
Well golly gee wiz folks, freedom and liberty just got demoted from an ideal to a moralistic musing.
I guess corporate collectivism has officially taken over capitalism already if China is some great partner. Easiest way to conquer the US, aim for the money, or wave a little at us because were a buncha goobers for it.
LOL
thanks for the laugh, it was priceless.
Don’t thank me, you were the one to demote it.
Sorry, where was I thanking you for – well – anything at all?