Behind the News: A Progressive Path for U.S.–China relations
Aug 23, 2024
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Jake Werner, an advocate for progressive China policy at the Quincy Institute, discusses a nuanced approach to U.S.–China relations, challenging the view of China as a threat. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation for global economic growth. Gabriel Hetland reviews Colombian president Gustavo Petro's journey from guerrilla leader to reformist, addressing his struggles to govern within a conservative political landscape. They delve into Colombia's 'total peace' initiative, the ongoing violence, and the hope for legislative reform amid a leftist resurgence in Latin America.
A progressive China policy should prioritize diplomacy and recognize China's role in maintaining a stable global landscape despite human rights concerns.
The narrative that China is solely to blame for U.S. economic challenges oversimplifies complex global economic shifts and domestic policy failures.
Current U.S. tariffs and political strategies have intensified tensions with China, highlighting the need for a reevaluation towards fostering mutual growth.
Deep dives
Progressive Policy Towards China
The discussion highlights a growing consensus that the prevailing view of China as a malevolent force aiming for global domination is misconstrued. While acknowledging human rights issues, it argues that China recognizes its limitations and has a vested interest in maintaining the global status quo, given its developmental successes. Evidence suggests that China's cautious approach in regions like the Middle East exemplifies its selective ambition. Consequently, a reevaluation of progressive policies towards China advocates for diplomacy over confrontation, emphasizing a more nuanced understanding of its role in global affairs.
The Impact of Economic Fear on US Politics
Economic anxieties stemming from the 2008 financial crisis have fueled a narrative within US political discourse that condemns China as a primary culprit for domestic economic woes. The episode underscores how American leaders' declining self-confidence has led them to scapegoat China, especially after observing its rapid recovery from the economic downturn compared to the US. This perception is linked to a deeper crisis of legitimacy for traditional political structures, which have struggled to adapt to changing economic realities. Thus, the conversation reveals how mischaracterizations of China serve as an explanation for broader socio-economic discontent within the United States.
Job Market Dynamics and China
The narrative surrounding job theft attributed to China is critiqued as a misleading oversimplification of complex economic shifts. While the outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs to China contributed to deindustrialization, this trend began long before and involved multiple economic factors. The reliance on China for cheaper labor illustrated a broader systemic issue rather than a singular blame game, as American firms exploited globalization to maintain profit margins. Reframing the conversation to focus on equitable labor practices globally could foster solidarity among workers rather than division based on nationalistic constructs.
Politics of US-China Relations
The episode indicates that tariffs and policies enacted during the Trump administration, which were continued by Biden, have exacerbated tensions between the US and China. Despite speculation that tariffs would severely hamper China's economy, it has instead adapted and continued to thrive while entering higher value sectors. This geopolitical maneuvering has confirmed to China’s leadership that the US perceives it as an adversary, compounding a toxic political environment between both nations. As a result, the discussion calls for a reevaluation of the strategy employed by both countries to foster better diplomatic relations, with an emphasis on mutual growth.
Long-term Planning versus Short-termism
A stark contrast is drawn between the long-term planning capabilities of Chinese elites and the short-term focus of their American counterparts, reflecting differing strategic approaches. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, both countries' leaderships have evolved in their capacity to think long-term, albeit with varying degrees of success and stability. The conversation emphasizes that the American political system's fragmentation complicates long-term planning, while the Chinese government has managed to implement ambitious industrial policies with significant success. However, it warns that both systems face inherent contradictions and challenges even within their structured plans, leading to ongoing instability.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html
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