Jake Werner, Acting Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute, delves into the New Cold War between the U.S. and China. He discusses the historical neoliberal policies fueling current tensions and the significant shifts in U.S. foreign strategy since 2008. Werner advocates for international cooperation, aiming to reshape public sentiment towards China. With insights on economic nationalism and the evolving geopolitical landscape, he emphasizes the need for solidarity movements to foster a more progressive international order.
Neoliberalism once fostered U.S.-China cooperation, but its fragility became evident post-2008, leading to deteriorated relations.
The new Cold War has escalated militarism in both nations, harming the working classes through aggressive geopolitical posturing.
There's an urgent need for greater U.S.-China collaboration to address global inequality, particularly in developing nations, instead of mere competition.
Reframing labor politics towards international solidarity could empower worker movements in both countries against the backdrop of rising nationalism.
Deep dives
Neoliberalism and the Cold War Context
The episode discusses how neoliberalism initially established a framework for cooperation between the United States and China, creating a precarious peace among great powers. This peaceful relationship deteriorated significantly following the 2008 economic crisis, which exposed the fragility of neoliberal structures in both nations. Trump’s administration accelerated the decline into a new Cold War, solidified by bipartisan anti-China sentiment that emerged from perceived economic threats. The conflict has evolved from mere trade tensions into a geoeconomic and military geopolitical struggle that ultimately threatens the stability of both the U.S. and Chinese working classes.
The Impact of Economic Nationalism
Bidenomics is portrayed as a response to both neoliberal failures and renewed economic nationalism aimed at revitalizing the American working class. However, the strategies pursued primarily benefit large corporations rather than the workers they claim to support, reinforcing a system that prioritizes capital over labor. The focus on industrial policy as a national security necessity transforms economic goals into militaristic ambitions, potentially sidelining genuine working class interests. This framework raises questions about the legitimacy of such policies and their implications for long-term economic health and labor rights.
Growing Militarization and Nationalist Reaction
The episode highlights how the new Cold War fostered increased militarism both in the United States and China, leading to an aggressive posture that adversely affects working populations in both countries. This militarization is reflected in rising tensions in the Pacific, where both countries position themselves for potential conflicts, especially concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea. The discussions illustrate a cycle of mutual aggression, where aggressive posturing feeds public anxiety and justifies further militarization, collapsing the space for critical democratic politics. Both nations risk alienating their working classes as nationalism takes precedence over international cooperation and shared human interests.
The Interconnectedness of Global Development
The podcast examines the pressing need for the U.S. and China to rethink their roles in global development, particularly in addressing the needs of the Global South. The current structure perpetuates inequality between nations, with each country competing for resources without contributing to global welfare. The rise of China as an economic dominant force, while lifting millions from poverty, has simultaneously sidelined many other developing nations from significant economic benefits. This dynamic underscores the necessity for both powers to collaborate on inclusive global policies that transcend mere nationalism.
Rethinking the Role of Labor
Listeners are encouraged to contemplate how worker movements both in the U.S. and China can reshape the ongoing power dynamics. The episode critiques the current trend in labor organizations that equates protectionist policies with job security, leading to a nationalist view that alienates international solidarity among workers. It argues for a reframing of labor politics towards a more cooperative global agenda, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections between workers across nations to resist exploitation by capitalists. The potential for a progressive alliance that champions the rights and needs of all workers stands as a counterbalance to the dominant nationalistic rhetoric.
A Call for New Global Governance
The discussion charts a compelling vision for a reimagined global governance structure that prioritizes cooperation among nations, particularly the U.S. and China, to confront existential threats such as climate change and pandemics. A shift from zero-sum games towards collaborative efforts for a more just world order is deemed crucial for broader prosperity. Progressives are invited to develop a comprehensive plan that acknowledges the interdependence of nations and citizens while aiming at shared human well-being rather than promoting hegemonic aspirations. The hope is to cultivate a global economy that upholds basic human rights, addressing poverty and inequality through inclusive development strategies.
Navigating Future Political Trajectories
The podcast ends with reflections on the uncertain future of U.S.-China relations amid changing political landscapes, particularly with the upcoming elections. The contention and rivalry may intensify depending on whether the Trump administration returns to power, advocating a more aggressive stance against China. Meanwhile, the possible emergence of a different foreign policy approach under a potential Harris administration prompts considerations of pragmatism over hostility. The conversation emphasizes the need for vigilance among progressives to counteract reactionary tendencies by fostering constructive dialogue and diplomacy instead of entrenching into conflict.
Featuring Jake Werner on how the US and China entered into a New Cold War and why the whole world urgently needs an alternative international order that fosters great power cooperation.
