The Duran Podcast A US-China Conflict & End of the Ukraine War - John Mearsheimer, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen
Nov 15, 2024
In this engaging discussion, professor and international relations expert John Mearsheimer joins journalist Alexander Mercouris to unpack the intricate dynamics between the U.S. and China. They delve into Taiwan's pivotal role in potential conflict and the dangers lurking in the South China Sea. The conversation highlights realism in foreign policy versus ideological crusades, providing a pragmatic framework for understanding tensions. They also touch on Trump’s possible approach to the Ukraine conflict and the complex negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the path to peace.
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US-China Security Competition
- The US and China blame each other for their security competition.
- Mearsheimer believes it's due to the nature of international politics, where states constantly seek power.
China's Expansionist Aims
- China's desire to reclaim Taiwan, control the South China Sea, and the East China Sea fuels the competition.
- This makes a detente unlikely, unlike the Cold War, because China isn't a status quo power.
Potential Flashpoints
- China likely won't go to war over Taiwan unless it declares independence.
- The South China Sea is the most dangerous flashpoint due to Chinese militarization and competing interests.