Riskgaming

How America holds it all together

15 snips
Feb 22, 2025
Michael Beckley, a Professor at Tufts University and author, joins to discuss the striking divide in America between thriving cities and struggling rural areas. He argues that America's decentralized institutions are both its strength and vulnerability, making it challenging to maintain industrial bases. The conversation touches on U.S. foreign policy, the implications of rising geopolitical tensions with China, and strategies to revitalize neglected regions. Beckley emphasizes the importance of finding balance in economic approaches to foster prosperity for all.
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INSIGHT

American Paradox

  • America's decentralized institutions and resource-rich land contribute to its wealth and power.
  • These same factors create internal divisions and hinder consistent foreign policy.
ADVICE

Clear Foreign Policy

  • Adopt a clear foreign policy strategy: either fully commit to international involvement or scale back ambitions.
  • Avoid "hollow internationalism" where stated interests lack sufficient resources.
ANECDOTE

Historical Foreign Policy Failures

  • In the 1920s, the U.S. opposed German and Japanese expansion but relied on international laws for enforcement.
  • This ineffective approach, similar to the 1990s with NATO expansion and Russia, led to disastrous failures of deterrence.
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