China Unscripted When the US FAILED to Handle China
Apr 11, 2025
Kerry Gershaneck, a Visiting Scholar at National Chengchi University and author of "Political Warfare," explores the shortcomings of U.S. strategies in dealing with China's political maneuvers. He draws historical parallels, highlighting lessons from past administrations on addressing modern threats like TikTok. Gershaneck also dives into the complexities of media warfare and the U.S. government's response to China's censorship tactics. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to counteract China's influence globally.
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Post-WWII Demobilization
- After WWII, the US quickly demobilized its forces, creating a "peace dividend".
- This rapid withdrawal from Europe and the Far East left a power vacuum that the USSR exploited.
Kennan's Containment Strategy
- The USSR established communist parties and United Front organizations across Western Europe.
- George Kennan's containment strategy is credited with preventing the fall of Western Europe during the Cold War.
America Fights Back
- Truman's administration, aided by Kennan's memos and Churchill's warnings about the Iron Curtain, began to actively counter Soviet influence.
- This bipartisan effort in America, although facing setbacks like the Vietnam War and the loss of the Chinese Civil War, marked a turning point.