Sinica Podcast Michael Brenes and Van Jackson on Why U.S.-China Great-Power Competition Threatens Peace and Weakens Democracy
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Jan 2, 2026 
In this engaging discussion, historian Michael Brenes and international relations expert Van Jackson delve into their book, exploring how the U.S.-China rivalry reshapes domestic politics and weakens democracy. They reveal how framing this relationship as a geopolitical threat encourages neo-McCarthyism and detracts crucial resources from social welfare. The duo critiques the bipartisan consensus driving security-heavy policies and advocates for a new 'geopolitics of peace,' emphasizing cooperation over conflict. Their insights challenge conventional narratives and propose a refreshing approach to international relations.
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Rivalry As A Domestic Political Project
- Framing the U.S.-China relationship as rivalry became a domestic political project that reshapes budgets, norms, and coalitions.
- Michael Brenes and Van Jackson argue this securitization actively harms American democracy and working people.
National Security Keynesianism Hurts Workers
- 'National security Keynesianism' channels stimulus into defense spending rather than broad social investment.
- That approach benefits narrow elites and fails working-class communities, the authors contend.
Pentagon Shift To China-Centric Planning
- The Pentagon quietly retooled after 2010 to prioritize defeating China in scenarios like a cross-strait conflict.
- That reorientation required ramping rhetoric and xenophobia to justify sustained military buildup.
