ChinaTalk Competition Policy 2025
Sep 4, 2024
Peter Harrell, who advised on international economics in the Biden administration, and Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Trump official focused on China policy, delve into the future of U.S. competition strategies. They explore the bipartisan agreement on facing China and the impact of leadership on policy effectiveness. The duo also offers insights into export controls, the need for robust manufacturing, and innovative supply chain solutions. Their candid advice for future U.S. leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic foresight in addressing global competition.
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President's Role in Industrial Policy
- Presidents set the strategic direction, like choosing between de-risking broadly or focusing on specific sectors.
- They also decide on the scope of prohibitions on U.S. investment in China.
Need for Granular Strategic Direction
- The White House needs to provide more granular strategic direction beyond high-level goals like "tech superiority."
- This would empower agencies to execute strategies effectively.
Bureaucratic Inertia and Industry Influence
- Federal agencies have been indoctrinated with the idea that globalism is inherently good.
- This mindset, coupled with industry lobbying, creates a bias towards inaction and narrow approaches.