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?
PAST CONTRIBUTOR.