Jake Werner, Acting Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute and co-founder of Justice is Global, delves into the escalating New Cold War between the US and China. He explores how rising nationalism and economic shifts have influenced relations, advocating for a cooperative international order. Werner discusses the complexities of Biden's foreign policy versus historical context, critiques anti-China sentiment as a manufactured trend, and emphasizes the urgent need for global solidarity to address economic inequalities.
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Quick takeaways
The U.S.-China rivalry escalated after the 2008 economic crisis, leading to trade wars that have undermined global cooperation.
Military and nationalist policies in both countries benefit corporations while neglecting working-class needs and social welfare programs.
The present climate of economic nationalism has constrained labor union perspectives, creating a defensive posture against perceived threats from China.
Establishing a new global order requires the U.S. and China to prioritize equitable development and mutual cooperation over nationalist ambitions.
Deep dives
The Rise and Implications of the New Cold War
Neoliberalism created a fragile framework for U.S.-China relations that deteriorated following the 2008 economic crisis. This led to escalating tensions as trade wars materialized, particularly under the Trump and Biden administrations, resulting in a new Cold War dynamic. The conflict has woven itself into both nations' nationalistic economic policies, often benefiting major corporations instead of working-class citizens. This geopolitical rivalry exacerbates militarism and narrows opportunities for a more equitable democratic politics, negatively affecting working-class communities across both countries.
The Consequences of Geoeconomic Rivalry
The ongoing U.S.-China tensions have resulted in profound realities for global economies, especially for the global South. The conflict is portrayed as a crucial battle for safeguarding U.S. supremacy while disregarding the developmental needs and rights of poorer nations. This competitive landscape has broader implications, including increased militarization and a continuous cycle of anti-China sentiment that complicates international cooperation. Without global collaboration, vital efforts to combat crises like climate change and public health challenges will be hindered.
A Critical View on Domestic Economic Policies
Under the guise of reviving the American working class, current policies intertwine anti-China stances with economic nationalism, thereby redirecting discussions from genuine labor concerns to market-driven profit motives. The framing of industrial policies primarily aims at regaining American manufacturing competitiveness while neglecting human welfare. Consequently, issues like housing and healthcare suffer as resources prioritize military and strategic interests. Such policies ultimately risk sacrificing worker interests in favor of bolstering corporate profits, reflecting a significant misalignment of priorities.
Historical Context of U.S.-China Relations
The neoliberal era saw the U.S. and China initially aligning to counter Soviet influence, leading to a fragile partnership that was ultimately disrupted by economic crises and growing populism. This historical backdrop set the stage for current perspectives wherein both nations perceive their economic interests in direct competition. The 2008 financial crisis effectively shifted the narrative, intensifying notions of 'economic nationalism' embodied in U.S. policies focused on trade imbalances and protecting domestic industries. This history illustrates how deep-rooted tensions were gradually transformed into contemporary geopolitical hostilities.
The Role of Organized Labor in Current Dynamics
Organized labor in the United States has responded to the nuances of globalization with a defensive posture against perceived threats from China, reflecting the economic struggles of deindustrialized communities. While some factions advocate for collaborative alternatives, the prevailing narrative among unions often adopts a protectionist sentiment, blaming foreign competition for domestic job losses. This mindset risks further entrenching zero-sum attitudes prevalent in geopolitics and inhibits a more internationalist perspective. Shifting labor discussions towards a global working-class solidarity could present viable paths toward collaborative economic solutions.
Alternative Approaches to Global Economic Inequality
To counteract both domestic and global inequalities, it is essential for progressive movements to articulate an alternative model that transcends the immediate great power conflicts. This approach should focus on creating equitable development opportunities that provide basic needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure for all. Both the U.S. and China must acknowledge their roles in perpetuating global injustices and work towards a cooperative framework that prioritizes human welfare over nationalistic ambitions. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for establishing a more stable and just international order.
The Fundamental Shift in Global Economic Policies
There's a pressing need for both the U.S. and China to rethink their economic strategies, shifting from exclusionary policies prioritizing nationalized competition to inclusive frameworks promoting global well-being. A successful collaboration between the two powers could realign efforts towards mutual prosperity by investing in international public goods and sustainable development. This could create pathways for shared growth that emphasize the interconnectedness of national interests and global stability. Furthermore, addressing climate change and health crises through cooperative actions could foster deeper international relations and diminish conflict potential.
Featuring Jake Werner on how the US and China entered into a New Cold War and why the whole world urgently needs an alternative international order that fosters great power cooperation.
Read Jake’s report A Program for Progressive China Policy quincyinst.org/research/a-program-for-progressive-china-policy/#executive-summary
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