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Beijing’s Bid for Global Power in the Age of Trump
“America First” Versus China’s Strategy of the Four Continents
By Alfred W. McCoy
As the second year of Donald Trump’s presidency and sixth of Xi Jinping’s draws to a close, the world seems to be witnessing one of those epochal clashes that can change the contours of global power. Just as conflicts between American President Woodrow Wilson and British Prime Minister Lloyd George produced a failed peace after World War I, competition between Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and American President Harry Truman sparked the Cold War, and the rivalry between Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and President John F. Kennedy brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, so the empowered presidents of the United States and China are now pursuing bold, intensely personal visions of new global orders that could potentially reshape the trajectory of the twenty-first century -- or bring it all down.
The countries, like their leaders, are a study in contrasts. China is an ascending superpower, riding a wave of rapid economic expansion with a burgeoning industrial and technological infrastructure, a growing share of world trade, and surging self-confidence. The United States is a declining hegemon, with a crumbling infrastructure, a failing educational system, a shrinking slice of the global economy, and a deeply polarized, divided citizenry. After a lifetime as the ultimate political insider, Xi Jinping became China’s president in 2013, bringing with him a bold internationalist vision for the economic integration of Asia, Africa, and Europe through monumental investment in infrastructure that could ultimately expand and extend the current global economy. After a short political apprenticeship as a conspiracy advocate, Donald Trump took office in 2017 as an ardent America First nationalist determined to disrupt or even dismantle an American-built-and-dominated international order he disdained for supposedly constraining his country’s strength.
Although they started this century on generally amicable terms, China and the U.S. have, in recent years, moved toward military competition and open economic conflict. When China was admitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, Washington was confident that Beijing would play by the established rules and become a compliant member of an American-led international community. There was almost no awareness of what might happen when a fifth of humanity joined the world system as an economic equal for the first time in five centuries.
By the time Xi Jinping became China’s seventh president, a decade of rapid economic growth averaging 11% annually and currency reserves surging toward an unprecedented $4 trillion had created the economic potential for a rapid, radical shift in the global balance of power. After just a few months in office, Xi began tapping those vast reserves to launch a bold geopolitical gambit, a genuine challenge to U.S. dominion over Eurasia and the world beyond. Aglow in its status as the world’s sole superpower after “winning” the Cold War, Washington had difficulty at first even grasping such newly developing global realities and was slow to react.
Click here to read more of this dispatch.http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/176460/tomgram%3A_alfred_mccoy%2C_will_china_be_the_next_global_hegemon/#more
Reflections from news and commentary of the day
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Beijing’s Bid for Global Power in the Age of Trump
One Priest’s Message to Seminarians on National Abuse Scandal
One Priest’s Message to Seminarians on National Abuse Scandal: A homily by Fr. Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary
Russian Hackers Appear to Shift Focus to U.S. Power Grid - The New York Times
Russian Hackers Appear to Shift Focus to U.S. Power Grid - The New York Times: Intelligence and technology officials report there are surprisingly few attempts to disrupt the campaigns of major American political figures.
Monday, August 20, 2018
On an Island: Saudi Arabia’s Relentless Obsession With Qatar Is Aiding Iran - Lawfare
On an Island: Saudi Arabia’s Relentless Obsession With Qatar Is Aiding Iran - Lawfare: If Saudi Arabia wants to better confront Iran, the kingdom should ease off its distracting feud with its neighbor, Qatar.
More in U.S. Favor Diplomacy Over Sanctions for Russia
More in U.S. Favor Diplomacy Over Sanctions for Russia: By 58% to 36%, Americans say it is more important that the U.S. continue efforts to improve relations with Russia rather than take strong diplomatic and economic steps against it.
Uri Avnery, the Israeli optimist who played chess with Yasser Arafat, has died – he was one of my few Middle East heroes | The Independent
Uri Avnery, the Israeli optimist who played chess with Yasser Arafat, has died – he was one of my few Middle East heroes | The Independent: It was somehow fitting that first news of Uri Avnery’s plight should reach me from one of Israel’s staunchest enemies, the Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt. One legend sending sad news of another, you see, a socialist preparing to mourn a fellow socialist, sending his sympathy for the 94-year-old Israeli political philosopher.
The US Will Spend Billions in Syria—Just Not on Rebuilding It - Defense One
The US Will Spend Billions in Syria—Just Not on Rebuilding It - Defense One: The Trump administration has ended a civilian aid program in the country, but the cost of the counter-ISIS fight far outweighs those savings.
The Importance of Educating Foreign Military Officers | Small Wars Journal
The Importance of Educating Foreign Military Officers | Small Wars Journal: The United States’ network of alliances and partnerships is an often heralded military advantage. Yet, this advantage is in many ways shaped, advanced, and maintained through military to military relations, especially those built through military training. Training foreign military personnel in American military institutions is an effective form by which to enhance defense familiarity with allies and partners—it’s a valuable program for our country. In addition to educating and training foreign military officers, these education programs build lasting relationships among officers of different countries contributing to a critical network of defense personnel around the world.
Trump administration to attempt to kill $3B in foreign aid - POLITICO
Trump administration to attempt to kill $3B in foreign aid - POLITICO: The tactic, engineered by OMB chief Mick Mulvaney, is intended to prevent a cascade of end-of-year spending by the State Department.
Uri Avnery, Veteran Peace Activist and Among First Israelis to Meet Arafat, Dies at 94
Uri Avnery, Veteran Peace Activist and Among First Israelis to Meet Arafat, Dies at 94
The Gush Shalom founder was one of the first Israelis to actively seek
a Palestinian state as a peaceful solution to the conflict: ‘The
difference between a freedom fighter and a terrorist depends on your
perspective’
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-uri-avenry-veteran-peace-activist-dies-at-94-1.6364250
U.S. firms warn next China tariffs to cost Americans from cradle to grave - Nasdaq.com
U.S. firms warn next China tariffs to cost Americans from cradle to grave - Nasdaq.com: WASHINGTON, Aug 20- A broad cross-section of U.S. businesses has a message for the Trump administration: new tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese.
The World Is Not Prepared For Global Warming
The World Is Not Prepared For Global Warming: The people of the world are not prepared for the global warming that is already upon us. Heat-related deaths are up. Crop yields are down. Wildfires are rampant. Carbon levels are the highest in 800,000 yrs. So why have we been cutting assistance to firefighters and other emergency funding?
Generate - August 17, 2018 - Axios
Generate - August 17, 2018 - Axios: The biggest news and trends in energy, business and politics by Ben Geman, with Amy Harder and her Harder Line column
Russia And China Are Developing Impressive New Weapons Systems As They Prepare For War Against The United States – The American Dream
Russia And China Are Developing Impressive New Weapons Systems As They Prepare For War Against The United States – The American Dream: Most wars are won well in advance, and Russia and China are both feverishly preparing to win the next major world war between global superpowers. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has been focused on "fighting terrorism" and projecting U.S. power in a "post-Cold War" environment. Of course the truth is that a new "Cold War"
Catholic Signatories Demand Mass Resignation of US Bishops
Catholic Signatories Demand Mass Resignation of US Bishops: More than 1,300 sign open letter urging bishops to resign over
Heather and David chose to marry, despite her terminal cancer diagnosis
Heather and David chose to marry, despite her terminal cancer diagnosis: Most weddings are a new beginning—but for Heather and David Mosher, their wedding, just hours before she died of cancer, was a heartbreaking end. Watch this video to learn about their love for each…
Francis says Catholic Church 'abandoned' children, letting them be abused | National Catholic Reporter
Francis says Catholic Church 'abandoned' children, letting them be abused | National Catholic Reporter: Pope Francis has acknowledged that the Catholic Church "did not act in a timely matter" to protect children from sexually abusive priests over a period of decades, saying in a new letter to members of...
The Militarization of Sports and the Redefinition of Patriotism | naked capitalism
The Militarization of Sports and the Redefinition of Patriotism | naked capitalism: In the end, it comes down to one thing: who controls the national narrative.
The US Becomes an Oil Economy | Asharq AL-awsat
The US Becomes an Oil Economy | Asharq AL-awsat: Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities
US: Drain the Swamp? Forget It! - The Globalist
US: Drain the Swamp? Forget It! - The Globalist: The rot needs to stop if public trust in government, already at a low, is to be restored. But the prospects for constructive reforms are poor.
Denmark as a Model for American Socialists?
Denmark as a Model for American Socialists?
by Lars Hedegaard • August 20, 2018 at 5:00 am
- Danes actually pay for their brand of socialism through heavy taxation. In Denmark, everyone pays at least the 25% value-added tax (VAT) on all purchases. Income tax rates are high. If you receive public support and are of working age and healthy, the state will require that you look for a job or it will force a job on you.
- In Denmark, it is uncomplicated for enterprises to fire workers, which gives them great flexibility to adapt to shifting market conditions. In fact, Denmark is more free-market oriented than the US.
- "Very high taxes and the vast public sector clearly detract in the capitalism index and reduce economic freedom. But Denmark compensates by... relatively little regulation of private enterprise, open foreign trade, healthy public finances and more. This high degree of economic freedom is among the reasons for Denmark's relatively high affluence." — Mads Lundby Hansen, chief economist of Denmark's CEPOS think tank.
Danish hundred-kroner banknotes. (Image source: iStock)
Here
are some facts to consider before American "democratic socialists" look
to Denmark for guidance, as Senator Bernie Sanders did during the 2016
presidential campaign.
First
of all, Danes actually pay for their brand of socialism through heavy
taxation. In Denmark, everyone pays at least the 25% value-added tax
(VAT) on all purchases. Income tax rates are high. If you receive public
support and are of working age and healthy enough to work, the state
will require that you look for a job or it will force a job on you.
Continue Reading Article
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/12881/denmark-welfare-socialism
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/12881/denmark-welfare-socialismBishop Barron's Gospel Reflection August 20, 2018
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O Ireland - The Catholic Thing
O Ireland - The Catholic Thing: Robert Royal is at Ireland's World Meeting of Families. With all the troubles now roiling the Church, will the pope bring a strong message when he comes?
Unleashing the Power of Pentecost: A Retreat Guide on the Holy Spirit - RC Spirituality
Unleashing the Power of Pentecost: A Retreat Guide on the Holy Spirit - RC Spirituality: With Pentecost, a new liturgical season will begin. Every new liturgical season is a spiritual fresh start, a spiritual clean...
Wisconsin: Bishop of Madison Issues Strong Letter in Response to Abuse Crisis - ZENIT - English
Wisconsin: Bishop of Madison Issues Strong Letter in Response to Abuse Crisis - ZENIT - English: 'It is time to admit that there is a homosexual subculture within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church that is wreaking great devastation in the vineyard of the Lord.'
Pope's Letter to People of God - ZENIT - English
Pope's Letter to People of God - ZENIT - English: 'It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable'
Pope's Letter to People of God: We Abandoned Our Little Ones, No Efforts Must Be Spared to Prevent Abuses and Cover Up - ZENIT - English
Pope's Letter to People of God: We Abandoned Our Little Ones, No Efforts Must Be Spared to Prevent Abuses and Cover Up - ZENIT - English: 'Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated'
Sunday, August 19, 2018
End U.S. support for this misbegotten and unwinnable war - The Washington Post
End U.S. support for this misbegotten and unwinnable war - The Washington Post: Whether the United States enabled the killing of 40 Yemeni children makes a world of difference.
Playing The Game Of Life – A Sermon On John 6:51-58 – Interrupting the Silence
Playing The Game Of Life – A Sermon On John 6:51-58 – Interrupting the Silence: Proper 15B – John 6:51-58 Shortly before I began the fourth grade my mom, dad, sister, and I took a trip to Kansas City. We spent the night at the airport Holiday Inn. I remember us sitting a…
Cdl. Wuerl Withdraws From World Meeting of Families
Cdl. Wuerl Withdraws From World Meeting of Families: Follows news that publisher has canceled publication of Wuerl's book
Episcopal Sodomy: Fear Grips the Vatican
Episcopal Sodomy: Fear Grips the Vatican: RICO charges threaten US Church
David Bromwich · American Breakdown · LRB 9 August 2018
David Bromwich · American Breakdown · LRB 9 August 2018: A seasonal report on the Trump presidency had better begin with a disclaimer. Anything one says is sure to be displaced by some entirely unexpected thing the president does between writing and publication. This has happened once already, with the Putin-Trump press briefing in Helsinki and . . .
In 2004, Annan told Harvard grads the world needs ‘enlightened American leadership’ - The Boston Globe
In 2004, Annan told Harvard grads the world needs ‘enlightened American leadership’ - The Boston Globe: “We must not allow ourselves, out of fear or anger, to treat people whose faith or culture differs from ours as enemies,” Annan said.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Another epic economic collapse is coming - The Washington Post
Another epic economic collapse is coming - The Washington Post: The debt could well grow to 100 percent of GDP within a decade.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: God in the flesh | National Catholic Reporter
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: God in the flesh | National Catholic Reporter: "I am the living bread … the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." John tells us that as soon as Jesus finished saying that, the people in the synagogue got into serious arg...
Confession (and its seal of secrecy) is under attack
Confession (and its seal of secrecy) is under attack: In India, the president of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Rekha Sharma, has requested that the sacrament of confession be abolished. An article published at the end of July by UCA News explains that the federal agency has also proposed a federal investigation of two cases of rape and sexual violence, in which members of the clergy of two Churches are involved.
5 Painters who depicted the Last Judgment
5 Painters who depicted the Last Judgment: The Last Judgment has fascinated Western artists since the onset of Christianity. In early Christian art, pictures of the Last Judgment often include the return of Christ as a judge, weighing the d…
Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection August 18, 2018
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The President Sinks Into the Cesspool of Vengeance By Llewellyn King
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