In our cocoon called Oswego, we can easily view geopolitical events as something far from our universe of life, which can be easily dismissed. Deep down, we know otherwise.
Currently United States and Chinese diplomats are meeting in Alaska to discuss the state of affairs between the two nations.
It is easy to get caught up with probabilities of favorable outcomes. However, we know each situation has different facts and circumstances. Since we are dealing with people and their personal foibles along with political repercussions domestically, it is hard to truly predict chances of success.
What we do know: the previous administration’s approach was initially unpredictable, which quickly became extremely predictable even though unconventional.
The current U.S. foreign policy team seems to be taking the conventional approach. Time will tell which is more effective.
My view is that China has its agenda and current U.S. policy can only slow down its advances, not stop or reverse. It is urgent we rally the rest of the developed and developing world to economically contain China until it recognizes fundamental property rights such as intellectual property, along with a level playing field for domestic and foreign businesses. Otherwise, the interests and values of the West will be diminished.
Can we live with a power so fundamentally different in recognizing rights of individuals, religious freedoms and without an independent judiciary? On college campuses, we value freedom of speech, association and an environment with unlimited access to evidenced based science and the Internet. In China, universities and the rest of its society do not have these freedoms.
I am not sure we can coexist without compromise from both sides. What are we willing to compromise? It is not readily apparent for either side.
We overcame the advances of the Soviet Union because of our economic foundation built on free markets. We adapt fast to change, whereas authoritarian regimes are slow, bureaucratic and support inefficient businesses. Free markets can offer a brutal taste of capitalism. Look at textiles, steel and now coal. However, the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit prevails with unpredictable positive outcomes. It is called “Creative Destruction.” Painful short term but it produces stronger and healthier long-term economic growth. For example, the ability of Silicon Valley to develop and now the advances in alternative non-fossil fuel energy.
However, China is different. We have allowed it to become the supplier for the worlds’ low-priced consumer products. The West provides the fuel (capital, scientific knowledge and customers) needed by China to continue growing its spheres of influence.
My view is that the risk of a Thucydides Trap is past.
Currently, we are at war with China. It is an economic war and a subtle long-term war of values. Are guns obsolete? No. However, economic strength fuels longer term success.
One major factor why the United States prevailed in World War II was its economic might. Bath Maine shipyard built more warships than the entire country of Japan during the war, which is just one of many examples. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen as Supreme Allied Commander not because of his strategically brilliant battlefield genius. It was his expertise at managing supply chains to keep troops supplied with essentials such as manpower, petrol, food, munitions, equipment, etc.
China is a bigger threat now than the Soviets at their zenith of power.
Winners write history. We cannot let our values and way of life become written out of history as being inferior.
Everything we have been fighting for in terms of rights of all individuals regardless of ancestry, creed and color is not recognized as a fundamental right in China.
We need to strengthen our supply chains by reducing the business risk of being reliant on China, while containing China’s gains on the world stage.
Political division and antagonism towards politicians is nothing new. Two thousand five hundred years ago, Aesop wrote, “We hang petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”
Let us rise above the vitriol from the far left and far right and work together against a greater threat for a stronger enduring and free society.
Government needs to be proactive in helping businesses shift their manufacturing back home and to our allies with shared values. The strengthening of our private sector supply chains is urgent and one of our biggest national security priorities.
We all want a more perfect union but whose definition should we adopt? Being able to debate and disagree is the building blocks of arriving at a more considered and stronger outcome. This is true in corporate boardrooms, government and colleges. Authoritarian regimes lack this strength. Let us embrace our messy and frustrating political system knowing it is actually these same characteristics that make us stronger.
Our cozy life at Oswego depends on these differences to creatively reduce our reliance on China for cheap manufacturing and to protect the freedoms we cherish.
Chris Pederson
SUNY Oswego ‘21
