Fareed Zakaria, host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN, discusses America's pessimism and its impact on foreign policy strategies. He argues that the pessimistic assumptions are wrong and harmful. Topics include the concept of American declinism, the US global position, the turn against trade and nostalgia for manufacturing, the rise of China, and the Biden administration's approaches to China and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pessimistic assumptions about America's decline in global influence lead to harmful foreign policies.
The United States maintains a strong position in the global economy and key areas like technology and military power.
The return of Trump or Republican isolationism poses significant risks to global stability and US foreign policy.
Deep dives
The Pervasive Pessimism about America's Position
There is a deep and widespread pessimism among Americans about the country's position in the world, with many believing that the United States is in decline. This pessimism is rooted in a lack of understanding of the country's actual power and influence, as the United States currently maintains its position as the largest economy and a global technological leader.
The Consequences of Pessimism in Foreign Policy
The pessimistic assumptions about America's decline in global influence have led to the adoption of foreign policies that harm both the United States and the world. The Trump administration embraced a campaign centered on pessimism, while the Biden administration's economic strategy reflects a belief that the United States has lost its competitive edge and needs protectionist policies. Both approaches stem from a presumption of pessimism that fails to reflect the true strength of the American economy and its global position.
The Strength of the American Economy
Contrary to the prevailing pessimism, the United States maintains a strong position in the global economy and in key areas such as technology and military power. The US economy has consistently maintained its share of global GDP, and the country dominates in sectors like biotech and the digital economy. Comparisons to other major economies highlight the continued strength and innovation of the American economic system.
The Importance of Addressing the US-China Relationship
The rise of China represents a significant shift in the global balance of power and poses challenges for the United States. While China's rise is a reality that must be acknowledged, it's important to approach the US-China relationship with a mix of deterrence and diplomacy. The Biden administration has sought a working relationship with China, but finding common ground and managing tensions in areas like trade and technology will be crucial.
The Risks of a Return to Isolationism and Trump's Influence
One of the greatest risks to the international order comes from the United States itself, particularly in the event of a return of Trump or a resurgence of Republican isolationism. Trump's worldview represents a departure from the internationalist approach that has underpinned the US role in upholding the rules-based order since World War II. The return of isolationist tendencies could have significant consequences for global stability and the future of US foreign policy.
Most Americans think their country is in decline. So do their leaders. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have embraced foreign policies premised on the notion that the global order no longer serves American interests.
But these pessimistic assumptions are wrong, Fareed Zakaria argues in a new essay for Foreign Affairs. Moreover, they are leading the country to embrace strategies that will harm much of the world—and the United States most of all. Zakaria is the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN, a columnist for The Washington Post, and the author of The Post-American World.
