Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Chas Freeman: Thucydides Trap & US Reaction to China's Rise
Dec 4, 2025
Chas Freeman, a former U.S. diplomat and Assistant Secretary of Defense, shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the shifting dynamics of US-China relations. He critiques the decline of U.S. diplomacy and the expertise gap in formulating China policy. Freeman explores the applicability of the Thucydides Trap and discusses historical Chinese restraint versus imperial ambitions. He raises concerns about Europe's inconsistent strategies and the West's waning global leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of rebuilding diplomacy in a multipolar world.
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US Decline Undermines Global Power
- The United States is self-destructing key strengths like rule of law, academic freedom, and diplomatic capacity.
- AMB Chas Freeman argues this domestic decline worsens America's global position against China.
Thucydides Trap Misfits China
- Thucydides' Trap describes American behavior but poorly fits China's historical conduct.
- Freeman stresses cultural and historical differences make European-derived models less applicable to China.
China's Rise Is Different But Potent
- China shows no historical pattern of expansionist colonialism and denies pursuing hegemony.
- Freeman notes China's economic and scientific rise poses a threat to US primacy simply by existence and capability.
