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Is a US-China Thucydides Trap Unavoidable? With David C. Kang from the ChinaTalk Podcast
Apr 13, 2025
David C. Kang, Professor of international relations at USC and author, challenges Western views on East Asian geopolitics. He argues that a stable regional system has existed for centuries, emphasizing internal dynamics over external conflicts in U.S.-China relations. Guests Jordan Schneider and Ilari Michaela add depth by exploring historical perspectives, including Vietnam's quest for independence and the civil service exam's role in promoting stability. Their discussion critiques the Thucydides Trap theory, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics in East Asia.
01:39:16
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Quick takeaways
- Professor David C. Kang argues that understanding East Asian international relations requires a first principles approach based on local historical contexts rather than Western paradigms.
- The historical stability of East Asia, characterized by culturally compatible systems rather than conquest, offers insights into modern diplomatic relations and regional dynamics.
Deep dives
First Principles Approach to East Asian History
Professor David C. Kong argues for a first principles approach in understanding East Asian international relations, emphasizing the importance of grounding analysis in East Asian history rather than applying European paradigms. This perspective suggests that conventional theories, such as the Thucydides trap, may not accurately represent the dynamics between the U.S. and China. Kong highlights that understanding historical contexts can yield significantly different conclusions about state interactions in East Asia. By focusing on regional history, he proposes that different theories may emerge, challenging preconceived notions about power transitions.
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