Evil Empire 2.0: Tom Cotton on Europe’s Path to Peace and China’s Dangerous Hegemony
Mar 8, 2025
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Tom Cotton, a U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, discusses the intricate peace talks in Eastern Europe and shares his worries about China’s growing influence. He emphasizes the strategic importance of military collaboration and intelligence sharing in Ukraine. The conversation also highlights the chaotic effects of tariffs on international relations, plus intriguing takes on the potential risks of TikTok for American youth. The dialogue rounds off with light-hearted reflections on art, politics, and personal growth.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine seek to establish a ceasefire to facilitate peace in Eastern Europe amidst ongoing conflict.
A strong domestic economy is essential for national defense, urging the U.S. to enhance local production capabilities to reduce reliance on China.
China poses a significant geopolitical threat through aggressive economic strategies, necessitating a reassessment of U.S. approaches to counteract its influence.
Deep dives
Consequences of High Tariffs
High tariffs lead to retaliatory measures from foreign countries, often resulting in trade wars that escalate tariffs further. This dynamic creates increased trade barriers and reduces market competitiveness, ultimately driving up prices for consumers. Consequently, as goods become too costly due to artificially inflated prices, consumer demand diminishes, resulting in market contraction. The long-term implications include significant job losses and business closures, as industries become unsustainable in a declining market.
Path to Peace in Ukraine
Negotiations are essential to end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, especially as a decisive military victory seems increasingly unlikely. The U.S. delegation aims to assess Ukraine's willingness for a ceasefire or armistice that would facilitate rebuilding efforts and stabilize the region. There is a strong belief that a framework can emerge from upcoming discussions, contingent on President Zelensky's cooperation and understanding of the U.S. position towards facilitating a peaceful resolution. The challenge remains in obtaining commitments from Russia to halt military aggression and engage meaningfully in the diplomacy process.
Trust in Diplomatic Relations
Successful negotiations with adversaries like Vladimir Putin require establishing a cautious form of trust, as historically, agreements made without verification often lead to broken promises. The essence of foreign relations with such figures relies on a clear understanding that they will act according to their interests, not as allies. Trust must be combined with skepticism, ensuring that any negotiations are underpinned by verification processes to uphold agreements. Past experiences show that multiple administrations have failed to foster a positive relationship with Russia, underscoring the need for a more pragmatic approach.
The Role of Economic Strength
A strong economy supports national defense and global standing, making it crucial to strengthen domestic production and supply chains. Recent conflicts highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. dependence on foreign manufacturing, particularly from China, leading to calls for increasing domestic capabilities for essential goods. There’s a consensus that enhancing American economic resilience is vital for both national security and maintaining competitive advantages against adversaries. This entails not only producing more domestically but also reinforcing relationships with allies to boost collective security.
Understanding China's Threat
China's actions reflect its status as a significant geopolitical threat, characterized by aggressive foreign policies and economic strategies aimed at undermining U.S. interests. The competitive landscape extends beyond military concerns to include economic tactics such as intellectual property theft and industrial espionage. It's imperative for the U.S. to recognize these manipulations and reassess its approach to not just deter aggression but also to engage in proactive economic policies that level the playing field. By doing so, the U.S. can better anticipate and navigate the complexities of its relationship with China, promoting a strategy that ensures both economic stability and security.
US and Ukrainian officials will meet on March 12 to talk peace in Eastern Europe; a new US approach to China may or may not be in the works; and the Trump administration’s gas-brake approach to imposing tariffs on trade partners has a Hoover economist baffled.
Arkansas senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and author of Seven Things You Can’t Say About China, joins Hoover senior fellows John Cochrane and H.R. McMaster to discuss the latest in Ukraine and his concerns over China’s military, economic, and cultural hegemony. After that: The fellows dig deeper into the economic and strategic ramifications of Trump’s tariff ploys, followed by a “lightning round,” including the merits of a US “crypto strategic reserve”; the renaming an army fort in Georgia (H.R. having known the late general whose name was removed); the creator of Hamilton refusing to play a “Trumpier” Kennedy Center; plus what the two would give up for Lent if so inclined.
Recorded on March 7, 2025.
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