Intelligence Squared The World in 2024 with Niall Ferguson: Crisis, Conflict and Consequences, Part Two
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May 2, 2024 
Historian Niall Ferguson, author of "Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe," discusses current global crises and their implications. He examines the geopolitical threats from Russia, China, and Iran, questioning whether we're on the brink of a Third World War. Ferguson explores the U.S.-China tensions, likening them to the Cuban Missile Crisis, and highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement. The conversation also touches on the state of free speech in American academia and the parallels with geopolitical conflicts, particularly regarding statehood aspirations.
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Kissinger's Cold War Concerns
- Kissinger became increasingly concerned about a potential second Cold War with China, particularly regarding AI.
- He believed this new Cold War could be worse than the first due to the weaponization of artificial intelligence.
Detente as a Strategy
- The US is not prepared for a hot war with China, especially given China's superior manufacturing capacity.
- Detente is a rational strategy to engage China, negotiate, and buy time for the West.
The Meaning of Detente
- Detente involves engaging with China on multiple fronts, including arms control and trade negotiations.
- This approach aims to reduce tensions and exploit China's internal challenges, such as its demographic decline.
