This is an interesting link, Hugh White is commenting on
his Quarterly Essay "China,America and Australia's future in Asia".

http://www.apo.org.au/video/quarterly-essay-china-america-and-australias-future-asia

Thanks mac,

Had a listen. What did you think?

Chris Lewis,

I didn't find anything significant in Hugh White's comments to disagree with--essentially Asia is returning to 'normal' with(probably) China as eventually, the world's largest economy. I was interested in his comments in regard to China's past humiliations by the West and Japan, I've long suspected that the Middle Kingdom has some scores to settle, particularly with the Japanese, perhaps that process has already started.
The 'golden staitjacket' doctrine could lead to some very serious miscalculations by either the US or China, and the Americans, in White's opinion, might take a long time to see the 'writing on the wall'. The next decades will be by far the most difficult, diplomatically, for Australia in its history.

I'll certainly read the article in the 'Quarterly Essay'.

Mac,

Yes, the evidence is pretty straightforward in terms of history and recent trends.

My only point of difference with White is the assumption of sharing power.

If we look at history, very few powers give up their dominance easily. I find it hard to believe that the West (led by the US) will do so either, although I do not see war.

Therefore, key is reform to maintain influence while adhering to principles that have wider appeal.

Easier said than done, but I hope that Western societies can rise to the challenge, which will also mean major reform within such societies.

"If we look at history, very few powers give up their dominance easily. I find it hard to believe that the West (led by the US) will do so either, although I do not see war," says Chris, Phd.

America has been waging wars ever since WW2 finished and building evermore military bases. What makes you think it won't engage in a war with China?

Why have you chosen to ignore all the points I have raised about the warmongering of the U.S. and its blatant imperialism?

Are you an American apologist, a lover of capitalism, a flag-waver for Western domination (led by America) of the world?

Or is it that you just don't know much and what you do know came from a university textbook?

David,

I do not believe the US is perfect. It does have many imperfections, as do all mighty nations in history.

It may even be that the US will prove incapable of overcoming its own domestic shortcomings to deal with its situation.

However, I do believe that international relations will be worse if Western influence declines.


For all of its faults, the US remains the nation with the most potential to uphold Western ideals over mercantile tendencies.

In any case, I would argue that you play down many of the achievements by US hegemony. Remember China would not be where it is now if not for US support for freer trade.