"Smart Power, Chinese Style"

On "Smart Power, Chinese Style"



I enjoy that the author begins with the observation that there is an ancient and epic struggle between existing power and an emerging power. It is hopeful to note this because it is then easier to see that if these powers work together, a peaceful submission into the future for all parties and those whom will be effected is possible to achieve. Unfortunately, I think the American way of thinking is more along the lines of, "They have more power. They are a threat. How can we remain #1 immediately?"

I agree with Mahbubani, although this was not objective as he had proclaimed it would be, on some of his important points. China is going through their recovery process in a globally beneficial way by strengthening ties with the world around them. In result, they are not only improving other countries domestically, but inevitably gaining power for themselves along the way. They are looking with an eye to long term success in the future surrounded by allies which makes them the most notable growing power today. America, on the other hand, has become distracted by its power.

He states that, "each time a new problem surfaces, China looks for the advantage in it, assuming that it must adapt to the world, not shape the world as it wishes." When we need something, we ignore everyone else and use force to obtain it instead of figuring out an intelligent solution that will not only get us what we want, but improve conditions around the world as well by strengthening our ties internationally. In other words, while we are only looking to help ourselves at any short term costs, China is carefully seeing what players it needs for long term effects. 

In addition, China began beating us out by "helping" us in 2003. They helped us join a war that wasn't good for international relations. This decision was a win-win for China. While allowing America to dig its own grave, China has been off continuing to make beneficial ties with other global economies. As a side note: How blind was America to this? Or did we just want to go to war so bad, we looked the other way at this realization? It's not to say that China is there yet, but not only their progress is worth paying attention to; the way in which they are progressing, to me, is almost more important.

When one continues to act solely in their own, immediate favor, they end up in position where even their own favor is not favorable. Why? Because you begin in a position that is equal to its end. If you start off taking what you want and giving nothing in return, you're going to end up alone and with enemies. Instead, China is being an active geopolitical acumen creating deals for the good of the publics they mean to associate with. So they are gaining allies as well as revenue. Sound familiar? The irony here is that America is known for these actions. But in the past few decades, we have grown from this practice by ignoring others' needs to focus on our own problems. Yet where's the progress? One step at a time, they are providing the exact example we historically exemplified, while, one step at a time, we are burning bridges along our path to recovery when we should be building them. In this way, China's progress is a reflection of not only where we were, but where we need to be.