Can the West Survive the Rise of China?

Posted 50 weeks 6 days ago by GregRLawson

http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20080101fa...

From Foreign Affairs, a sober and reflective (not a histrionic) look at how the "West" can meaningfully respond to the rise of China and not be subsumed by the rising Dragon of the East. Essentially, it says the West needs to continue to lay the rule based foundation for a liberal, capitalistic economic system that creates so many incentives to China to integrate within the system that it won't find it to be in its interest to attempt an overturn (as did Germany twice in the 20th Century under both the Kaiser and Hitler).

I think hedging between economic engagement and strong military ties with China's neighbors (particularly Japan and India) continues to be the right strategy. It is true China is a winner in the current system, but if there are unforseen problems that results in massive internal problems for China; overt, aggressive nationalism can erupt unexpectedly. We shouldn't wish for that (for it would likely mean some kind of confrontation), but we need to have the capacity to address it should it happen.